Police rescue Adelabu’s sister, twin sons; two suspected kidnappers killed
The Nigeria Police Force has rescued Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, days after they were abducted in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The victims, including the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, were rescued during a late-night operation on Saturday.
Police sources said two suspected kidnappers were killed in a gun battle with operatives, while two firearms were recovered from the gang. Security forces reportedly tracked the kidnappers through intelligence gathering and mounted pressure that led to the confrontation.
The victims were abducted on June 3 while Mrs John-Paul was taking her children to school. Security operatives have continued searching for other members of the syndicate, some of whom are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.
Atiku visits Dele Momodu amid ADC consultations
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has visited media entrepreneur and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Dele Momodu at his Abuja residence.
Momodu disclosed the meeting on social media, saying discussions centred on Nigeria’s progress and a shared commitment to nation-building.
The visit comes as consultations intensify within the ADC over the selection of a running mate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Party sources indicated that former governors Rotimi Amaechi, Emeka Ihedioha and Donald Duke are among leading contenders for the vice-presidential slot.
Sources familiar with the discussions said party leaders are weighing several strategic considerations before making a final decision.
Enugu East APC endorses Tinubu, Mbah for second terms
Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu East Senatorial Zone have endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for re-election in 2027.
The endorsement was made during the “Ofu Obi Rally for Tinubu and Mbah” held at Okpara Square.
Party stakeholders also announced a ₦300 million donation to support Mbah’s second-term bid.
Motions backing Tinubu and Mbah were moved and seconded by elected lawmakers from the zone before being adopted by party members and supporters in attendance.
The Enugu East Senatorial Zone comprises Enugu East, Enugu North, Enugu South, Isi-Uzo, Nkanu East and Nkanu West local government areas.
PRP confirms Donald Duke as 2027 presidential candidate
The National Working Committee of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has affirmed Donald Duke as its duly elected presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
The party said the decision followed a review of its primaries appeal committee report.
PRP National Publicity Secretary Muhammed Ishaq stated that Duke’s nomination was valid and in line with party procedures.
The appeal committee also upheld four other primary election outcomes and cleared 420 candidates seeking various elective offices.
However, the primary election for Tarauni Federal Constituency was nullified. The party reiterated its commitment to internal democracy and active participation in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Nasarawa Labour Party factional chairman alleges threat to life
Factional Labour Party chairman in Nasarawa State, Alexander Ombugu, has alleged that his life is under threat and appealed to security agencies for protection.
Speaking with journalists in Lafia, Ombugu linked the alleged threats to his stance on issues arising from the party’s recently concluded primary elections.
Although he declined to publicly identify those he suspects, he said relevant information would be provided to investigators to avoid compromising any probe.
Ombugu urged security agencies to intervene urgently, provide adequate protection and thoroughly investigate the matter.
He maintained that his position on internal party affairs had generated discomfort among some individuals within and outside the Labour Party.
Army confirms Borno base attack, says five soldiers killed
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that insurgents attacked a military base in Borno State, resulting in the deaths of five soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force.
According to the military, troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled the assault and retained control of the facility.
The attack targeted the Forward Operating Base at Mandara-Girau around 3 a.m. during heavy rainfall and poor visibility.
Military spokesperson Lt. Col. Haruna Sani said the insurgents attempted to exploit adverse weather conditions but were met with strong resistance.
The army stated that despite the casualties, troops prevented the attackers from overrunning the base and maintained operational control.
Joe Igbokwe recounts mob scare at Lagos’ Ladipo Market
APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe has narrated how he narrowly escaped an attack by a crowd at Ladipo Market.
Igbokwe said the incident occurred while he was shopping for vehicle spare parts on Friday.
According to him, some traders and youths recognised him and began drawing attention to his presence, leading to a growing crowd around his vehicle.
Fearing the situation could deteriorate, he sought refuge in a friend’s shop while market leaders were contacted.
He said the leaders intervened, calmed tensions and later escorted him out safely.
Igbokwe added that although many people appeared angry, he chose not to engage them and left the market peacefully.
Abductors of retired general, wife demand release of detained associates
Kidnappers holding retired Major General Abubakar Rabe and his wife have reportedly demanded the release of three detained individuals as a condition for their freedom.
The couple, abducted along the Karaduwa-Matazu Road in Katsina State, appeared in a video released by their captors.
In the footage, Rabe’s wife said the abductors were demanding the release of three men identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru, as well as the return of livestock allegedly seized from them.
She appealed to the Katsina State Government and leaders in affected local government areas to intervene.
Rabe also called for efforts to promote peace, stating that the abductors had expressed an interest in dialogue. No ransom demand was mentioned in the video.
Messi nearing return ahead of Argentina’s World Cup campaign
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni says captain Lionel Messi is recovering well from injury and could feature in upcoming friendly matches before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Messi suffered a left hamstring strain while playing for Inter Miami CF but has resumed partial training with the national team.
Argentina will face Honduras and Iceland in warm-up matches before beginning their World Cup title defence.
Scaloni said Messi’s improvement had eased concerns within the coaching staff.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been ruled out of both friendlies due to a fractured finger, though officials expect him to recover before Argentina’s opening World Cup fixture against Algeria.
Yvonne Jegede criticises Tinubu government over insecurity
Nollywood actress Yvonne Jegede has criticised the Federal Government over worsening insecurity across Nigeria.
In a post on Instagram, Jegede expressed concern about recurring incidents of kidnappings, killings and violent attacks, arguing that many citizens feel abandoned when they become victims of crime.
Addressing President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, she said Nigerians should not be treated as though their lives and safety are insignificant.
The actress maintained that insecurity cuts across ethnic, religious and social divides, affecting citizens from all backgrounds.
Jegede added that many Nigerians are frustrated by what they perceive as inadequate efforts to rescue victims and bring perpetrators to justice.
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