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  • APC Demands Rescue of Adelabu’s Sister, Faults Makinde Over Rising Insecurity in Oyo

    The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the abduction of Mrs. Busayo Adelabu John-Paul, younger sister of former Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, and her twin sons in Ibadan.

    The party called on Governor Seyi Makinde to work closely with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to address the growing security challenges across the state.

    APC Raises Concern Over Insecurity

    In a statement issued on Wednesday by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC described the incident as alarming, especially as several kidnapping cases in the state remain unresolved.

    The party noted that the abduction occurred amid ongoing concerns over the fate of schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area, as well as two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Oluyole Local Government Area.

    According to reports, Mrs. John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons were abducted by gunmen at Elewura-Challenge in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.

    Call for Immediate Rescue

    APC urged authorities at all levels of government to review and strengthen the state’s security architecture to better protect residents.

    “We demand immediate rescue of all Oriire school abductees, two CRIN staff, Mrs. Busayo John-Paul and her children, as well as others who are in captivity at the moment,” the statement said.

    The party also called for coordinated efforts between government and security agencies to curb the increasing cases of kidnapping and violent attacks in Oyo State.

    Criticism of State Government

    Sadare argued that residents were living in fear due to the worsening security situation and urged Governor Makinde to seek additional support where necessary.

    “No citizen deserves to live in perpetual fear and anxiety as is the situation with the residents of Oyo at the moment,” he said.

    He added that insecurity had reached an unprecedented level in the state and warned that urgent intervention was needed to prevent further deterioration.

    Police Investigation Ongoing

    The Oyo State Police Command had earlier confirmed that investigations were underway into the abduction of Mrs. John-Paul and her children.

    Police spokesperson DSP Olayinka Ayanlade said security operatives had launched efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible.

  • Faithia Williams Recalls Final Meeting With Late Actor Janmole

    Nollywood actress Faithia Williams has paid tribute to late actor and comedian Adesina Okiki Oshin, recalling their last encounter just days before his death.

    The actress shared an emotional message on social media following news of Janmole’s passing in a road accident on June 1, 2026.

    Faithia Williams Mourns Janmole

    In a post on Instagram, Faithia Williams revealed that she met and spoke with the actor during a gathering the previous weekend, unaware it would be their final conversation.

    “You still did and meet for me on Saturday. I didn’t know that was the last time we were going to speak. Rest in peace,” she wrote.

    Her tribute has attracted condolences from colleagues and fans mourning the loss of the popular Yoruba movie star.

    Death Confirmed After Tragic Accident

    Janmole reportedly died in a car accident on Monday, June 1, 2026.

    News of his death was first shared by an Ibadan-based radio station and was later confirmed by several figures in the Nigerian film industry, including TAMPAN President, Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin.

    The actor’s passing has left many in the Yoruba movie industry in shock.

    A Familiar Face in Yoruba Movies

    Adesina Okiki Oshin, widely known as Janmole, built a reputation as a comedian, actor and filmmaker known for his energetic performances and humorous roles.

    He featured in numerous Yoruba-language productions and became a familiar face among fans of indigenous Nollywood films.

    His comedic style and on-screen presence earned him recognition within the industry and among audiences across the country.

    Remembered by Colleagues

    Janmole’s death has continued to draw tributes from colleagues, friends and admirers who have described him as talented, lively and dedicated to his craft.

    His passing comes nearly four years after he reportedly survived a fire incident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, an experience many had described as miraculous at the time.

  • Oyo Police Launch Investigation Into Abduction of Adelabu’s Sister, Twin Sons in Ibadan

    The Oyo State Police Command has commenced investigation into the abduction of the younger sister of former Minister of Power and APC gubernatorial aspirant, Bayo Adelabu, alongside her twin sons in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The victims were kidnapped in the early hours of Wednesday in a case that has drawn renewed attention to rising insecurity in the state.

    Police Begin Investigation

    In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the command said it had launched an immediate investigation into the incident.

    According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police directed the Divisional Police Officer of Challenge Division and other tactical teams to move to the scene shortly after the incident was reported.

    The victim’s vehicle was reportedly recovered at the location where the abduction took place.

    Rescue Efforts Underway

    The police assured residents that all necessary resources had been deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of those responsible.

    It added that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the abduction and track the perpetrators.

    Residents were urged to remain calm and assist security agencies with any useful information that could support ongoing operations.

    Family Confirms Incident

    Earlier, the family confirmed the abduction through a statement issued by the media aide to Bayo Adelabu, Femi Awogboro.

    He said Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, 43, was abducted at about 7:30 a.m. while taking her twin sons, Peter and Paul, to school in Ibadan.

    The family described the incident as distressing and appealed for public support and prayers.

    Rising Security Concerns

    The incident comes weeks after a separate attack in the Oriire axis of Oyo State, where gunmen invaded communities, killing a teacher and abducting dozens of pupils and teachers.

    Security agencies say rescue operations are ongoing, even as concerns continue to grow over repeated attacks targeting schools and civilians in the state.

  • Gunmen Attack Immigration Office in Ogbomoso, Cart Away Officers’ Firearms

    Gunmen have attacked the Immigration Office in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, and carted away firearms belonging to officers on duty during a late-night operation on June 2, 2026.

    The incident occurred at about 10 p.m. at the facility located along the Ogbomoso–Ilorin new expressway, sparking fresh concerns over security in the area.

    Attack on Immigration Facility

    Sources said the attackers stormed the premises while activities were ongoing around the nearby Ayanyan Cattle Market, taking officers by surprise.

    The gunmen reportedly overpowered personnel on duty and dispossessed them of their weapons before escaping into the night.

    No casualties were immediately confirmed at the time of filing this report.

    Police React

    The Oyo State Police Command said it was yet to receive a full briefing on the incident.

    Spokesperson of the command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said updates would be provided once verified information is obtained from the affected unit.

    “I will provide updates as soon as the necessary information becomes available,” he said.

    Authorities are expected to commence investigation into the attack as security operatives move to track those responsible.

  • Court Sentences Four Al-Shabaab Members to Death Over Owo Church Attack

    The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced four members of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group to death by hanging for their involvement in the 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

    The judgment was delivered on Wednesday by Justice Emeka Nwite, following their conviction on a nine-count terrorism charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) on behalf of the Federal Government.

    The attack, which occurred on June 5, 2022, left more than 40 worshippers dead and over 100 others injured during a Pentecost service.

    Court Finds Four Guilty

    The convicted persons are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), and Abdulhaleem Idris (25). They were found guilty of participating in the deadly assault carried out by a terrorist cell operating in Kogi State.

    Justice Nwite ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, establishing that the defendants were active members of the group responsible for the attack.

    He held that their actions directly contributed to the violence that disrupted the church service and caused mass casualties.

    Fifth Defendant Acquitted

    The court, however, discharged and acquitted the fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47), after finding insufficient evidence linking him to the attack.

    The judge said the prosecution failed to establish his direct involvement in the incident.

    Evidence Presented in Court

    During the trial, the prosecution called 11 witnesses and tendered 23 exhibits, including confessional statements and a digital forensic report.

    Among the exhibits admitted was a device said to contain communications between the defendants before and after the attack.

    A surviving Catholic priest also testified, recounting how the attackers detonated multiple explosive devices inside the church, causing panic and heavy casualties.

    Terror Conviction Upheld

    Justice Nwite held that the totality of the evidence clearly connected the four convicts to the attack and justified their conviction on terrorism charges.

    The ruling brings a legal conclusion to one of Nigeria’s most deadly church attacks in recent years.

  • Datti Baba-Ahmed Says He Joined Peter Obi in 2023 Out of Sympathy After Failed Alliances

    Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has revealed that his decision to run alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election was partly driven by sympathy, following what he described as failed alliance attempts by the former presidential candidate.

    Baba-Ahmed made the disclosure during an interview on Symfoni, where he spoke about the political dynamics that shaped the Labour Party’s 2023 ticket.

    Failed Political Alliances

    According to him, Peter Obi approached three influential politicians in 2022 in an attempt to build broader support ahead of the election, but the efforts did not succeed.

    He said the situation influenced his personal decision to step in as Obi’s running mate, describing it as a response shaped by both sympathy and concern for the country’s political direction.

    Baba-Ahmed, however, declined to disclose the identities of the politicians involved or the reasons they reportedly turned down the offer.

    Clarifies Political Independence

    The former senator also dismissed suggestions that he is politically tied to Obi or obligated to follow him into any future political arrangement, including any emerging coalition platforms.

    He stressed that his decision in 2023 was personal and based on his interpretation of Nigeria’s political situation at the time.

    Baba-Ahmed added that while he worked with Obi during the election, he remains an independent political actor with no binding political obligation to the former Anambra governor.

    The comments add a new layer to ongoing discussions around the 2023 Labour Party presidential campaign and internal dynamics within Nigeria’s opposition politics.

  • PDP Tackles Keyamo Over Comments on Jonathan’s 2027 Ambition

    The Peoples Democratic Party has criticised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, over his comments advising former President Goodluck Jonathan not to accept any presidential nomination ahead of the 2027 election.

    The opposition party accused Keyamo of meddling in its internal affairs and questioned his authority to determine Jonathan’s political future.

    PDP Questions Keyamo’s Position

    In a statement,  PDP said it would ordinarily have ignored the minister’s remarks but chose to respond because of what it described as growing anxiety within the ruling All Progressives Congress over calls for Jonathan’s possible return to national leadership.

    The party argued that Keyamo’s comments were inconsistent with his past role as a public interest lawyer and activist.

    “It is rather ironic that Festus Keyamo, a man who built his public profile through relentless criticism of governments and public office holders, now seeks to deny others the very democratic space he once occupied with such enthusiasm,” the statement said.

    Focus on Governance, PDP Tells Minister

     PDP said Nigerians remember Keyamo as a vocal critic of those in authority and questioned why he now appeared uncomfortable with political parties exercising their constitutional rights.

    The party urged the minister to concentrate on issues affecting the aviation sector rather than opposition politics.

    “Instead of concerning himself with the internal affairs of the PDP, the Minister would do well to devote his energy to addressing the numerous challenges confronting the aviation sector and the wider administration of which he is a part,” the statement added.

    Jonathan’s Record Defended

    PDP also defended Jonathan’s administration, arguing that many Nigerians still remember his tenure positively.

    According to the party, the former president presided over a period marked by political stability, economic growth and increased investor confidence.

    “The obvious nervousness that has greeted President Jonathan’s candidacy is understandable because Nigerians have not forgotten that under his administration, the country enjoyed political stability, sustained economic growth, increased foreign investor confidence and a more inclusive national atmosphere,” the party stated.

    Party Dismisses Political Pressure

    PDP maintained that no form of political pressure would stop Nigerians from supporting candidates of their choice in future elections.

    It added that as the country moves closer to another election cycle, many citizens are seeking capable and unifying leaders who can address the nation’s economic and security challenges.

    The party concluded by advising Keyamo to focus on helping the government tackle pressing national issues rather than offering what it described as unsolicited political advice to Jonathan.

  • Gunmen Abduct Adelabu’s Sister, Twin Sons in Ibadan

    Unknown gunmen have abducted Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, along with her 12-year-old twin sons in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The abduction occurred on Wednesday morning while she was reportedly taking the children to school.

    Abduction Along School Route

    According to a statement issued by Adelabu’s media aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro, the incident happened at about 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026.

    Mrs. John-Paul, 43, was travelling with her twin sons, Peter and Paul, when the gunmen intercepted them and whisked them away.

    The family confirmed the incident and described it as a distressing development.

    Family Speaks on Victim

    The statement noted that Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu.

    She reportedly retired voluntarily last year from her roles at the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian before relocating to Ibadan with her children.

    According to the family, she was making arrangements to join her husband, Mr. John Paul, in the United States before the incident occurred.

    Security Agencies Launch Investigation

    The family said security and law enforcement agencies were immediately notified after the abduction.

    “We are pleased to confirm that security operatives have swung into action and preliminary investigations have commenced in earnest,” the statement said.

    Authorities are currently working to secure the release of the victims and track down those responsible for the abduction.

    Appeal for Calm

    Chief Adelabu and members of the family expressed confidence in the efforts of security agencies and appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could affect ongoing rescue operations.

    They also called on Nigerians to support the family through prayers and urged anyone with useful information to contact the nearest police station or relevant security agencies.

     

  • Tinubu Returns to Abuja After Lagos Engagements, Oyo Attack Victims Yet to Receive Presidential Visit

    President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after spending the Eid-el-Kabir holiday in Lagos, where he participated in a series of political, governmental and national engagements, amid growing calls for him to visit families affected by the recent terrorist attack in Oyo State.

    The President arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday at about 5:17 p.m. and was received by senior government officials, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.

    Calls Over Oyo Attack

    Tinubu’s return comes as some Nigerians continue to urge him to personally visit the families of victims of the terrorist attack in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

    Rather than visiting the affected community, the President had earlier dispatched a high-powered Federal Government delegation led by Ribadu.

    Other members of the delegation included Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe, and Special Adviser on Public Communications Sunday Dare.

    Political Meetings During Holiday

    During his stay in Lagos, Tinubu received Vice President Kashim Shettima and several groups who paid him the traditional Sallah homage.

    Among those who visited were Senate President Godswill Akpabio and members of the Senate leadership.

    The President also hosted members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum led by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as well as APC stakeholders from Oyo State, including the party’s governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli.

    APC candidates for the House of Representatives and State House of Assembly from Lagos State also met with the President during the holiday period.

    Navy Anniversary, Benin Meeting

    On Monday, Tinubu attended the International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic City Waterfront as part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.

    The President commissioned three naval vessels, NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila and NNS Gurara, during the event.

    He also held talks with the President of Benin Republic, Romuald Wadagni, in a meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations, regional cooperation and economic partnership between both countries.

  • Tinubu to Address National Assembly on June 12 for Democracy Day

    President Bola Tinubu will deliver a joint address to the National Assembly on June 12 as part of activities lined up for Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day celebration.

    The announcement was made on Tuesday during the inauguration of the inter-ministerial committee responsible for organising the national event.

    Akume Unveils Democracy Day Plans

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, inaugurated the committee at the Shehu Shagari Complex in Abuja.

    According to Akume, the President’s address to lawmakers will be one of the major highlights of the Democracy Day programme.

    He described the annual celebration as an opportunity to honour Nigerians who played significant roles in the struggle for democratic governance.

    Tribute to June 12 Heroes

    Akume paid tribute to the heroes of the June 12, 1993 democratic struggle, including the late Moshood Kashimawo Abiola.

    He said Democracy Day remains an important occasion for reflecting on the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists and citizens who fought for the return of civilian rule.

    The SGF added that the anniversary would also provide an opportunity for the Federal Government to highlight efforts aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and promoting national development.

    Schedule of Activities

    Akume urged members of the committee to commence work immediately, noting that only a few days remain before the celebration.

    Activities approved for the 27th Democracy Day anniversary include a world press conference on June 4, special Juma’at prayers on June 5 and an interdenominational church service on June 7.

    A Democracy Day public lecture is scheduled for June 9, while programmes focused on youth and women will take place on June 10.

    In addition to the National Assembly address, President Tinubu is also expected to deliver a nationwide broadcast on June 12.