DHQ Denies Civilian Casualties In Zamfara Air Strike
The Defence Headquarters has dismissed reports alleging that civilians were killed during a recent military air strike on Tumfa market in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The military said there is no credible evidence to support claims of civilian casualties arising from the operation conducted on Sunday. According to the DHQ, the air strike targeted criminal elements operating within the area as part of ongoing counter-banditry operations in the North-West.
Authorities maintained that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain committed to adhering to operational guidelines aimed at protecting innocent civilians during military engagements.
Court Sentences Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman To 75 Years Imprisonment
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment in absentia over ₦33.8 billion money laundering offences.
Justice James Omotosho convicted Mamman on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and ordered that the sentences run consecutively.
The court ruled that the former minister deliberately absented himself from proceedings to frustrate justice. Justice Omotosho directed security agencies, including Interpol, to arrest Mamman wherever he is found.
The charges were linked to funds associated with the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
Former IGP Alkali Baba Withdraws From Yobe APC Governorship Race
A former Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has withdrawn from the race for the All Progressives Congress governorship ticket in Yobe State.
Baba announced his withdrawal in a statement issued to journalists on Wednesday. He did not state specific reasons for stepping down but expressed appreciation to his supporters and political associates.
His exit is expected to reshape the contest ahead of the APC primary in the state.
Tinubu Arrives Kigali For Africa CEO Forum
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday arrived in Kigali, Rwanda, ahead of the 13th Africa CEO Forum scheduled to begin on Thursday.
Tinubu was received at the Presidential Wing of Kigali International Airport by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, and Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda.
Other officials present included Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed, and presidential spokesman, Sunday Dare.
The Africa CEO Forum is regarded as one of the continent’s largest annual gatherings of business leaders, investors and policymakers.
Wike Says Visit To APC Chairman Was Not Political
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed insinuations surrounding his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.
Speaking during a project inspection on Wednesday, Wike said he does not practise “politics of enmity,” insisting the meeting was based on personal association and professional courtesy rather than political negotiations.
He urged the public not to read political meanings into every interaction involving public officials.
Troops Rescue Kidnapped Women, Baby In North-East Operations
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued six kidnapped women and children, including a three-month-old baby, during separate operations across the North-East.
The military also arrested three suspected terrorist associates during clearance operations conducted on May 12, according to a statement issued by the spokesman of Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba.
The operations form part of intensified efforts by the military to dismantle terrorist networks and rescue captives in the region.
Tension In Osun Community After Student Dies In Road Accident
Tension gripped Ijebu-Jesa in Osun State on Wednesday following a clash between police operatives and students of Interlink College of Health Technology after the death of a student in a road accident.
The deceased, identified simply as Oluwaseun, was reportedly returning to Ijebu-Jesa on a motorcycle when he was hit by a bus along the Ijebu-Jesa/Esa-Oke Road.
The incident sparked protests among students, leading to confrontations with security operatives as residents expressed concern over rising road accidents in the area.
Ondo Police Arrest 24 Suspected Cultists During Initiation
The Ondo State Police Command says it has arrested 24 suspected cultists during an initiation ceremony in Ile-Oluji, headquarters of Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the suspects, alleged to be members of the Aiye confraternity, were arrested on Sunday while initiating new members.
The command said investigations are ongoing and assured residents of continued efforts to curb cult-related violence in the state.
Delta APC Disqualifies 36 Assembly Aspirants Ahead Of 2027
The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has disqualified 36 aspirants seeking to contest the party’s House of Assembly primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The screening committee, which sat in Asaba on May 10 and 11, cleared 46 aspirants while screening out others over alleged irregularities including bribery attempts, document inconsistencies and zoning violations.
Party officials said the screening exercise was aimed at ensuring credible candidates emerge for the elections.
EFCC Arrests Energy Commission DG Over Alleged Money Laundering
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, over alleged money laundering offences.
An EFCC source disclosed that Abdullahi was arrested in Abuja on Wednesday and remains in detention while investigations continue.
The anti-graft agency has yet to release an official statement on the matter.
Fubara Denies Dumping APC
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed reports suggesting he has left the All Progressives Congress.
Speaking after inspecting projects in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Fubara insisted he remains committed to the APC and warned against misrepresenting his political position.
“I remain a member of the All Progressives Congress, and nothing has changed,” the governor said.
ADC Says Opposition Considering Single Candidate Against Tinubu
The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, says opposition leaders are exploring the possibility of presenting a single presidential candidate against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
Speaking during an interview with Arise News, Abdullahi admitted that the exit of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso from the ADC was a setback but maintained that coalition talks among opposition forces were ongoing.
He said discussions remain focused on unseating the APC in the next presidential poll.
PDP Faction Announces Alliance With APM Ahead Of 2027
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party led by Kabiru Turaki has announced a political alliance with the Allied Peoples Movement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Faction spokesman, Ini Ememobong, said the partnership emerged from discussions held during the All Opposition Political Party Leaders Summit in Ibadan last month.
According to him, more alliances are expected as opposition parties intensify coalition efforts ahead of the polls.
Akwa Ibom Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike Over Alleged EFCC Assault
The Nigerian Medical Association in Akwa Ibom State has commenced an indefinite strike following the alleged assault, arrest and detention of medical personnel at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital by operatives of the EFCC.
The association announced the action after an emergency congress, accusing EFCC operatives of using teargas and disrupting activities within the hospital premises during an operation on Tuesday.
However, EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said operatives were at the hospital to verify a medical report presented by a suspect under investigation and claimed officers were attacked while carrying out lawful duties.
Family Confirms Alexx Ekubo Died Of Kidney Cancer Complications
The family of Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has confirmed that he died from complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
In a statement shared on the actor’s official Instagram page, the family said he passed away at Evercare Hospital after a brief but courageous battle with the illness.
The statement described the late actor as resilient and optimistic throughout his final days.
Actor Lanre Adediwura Says ‘Wura’ Left Him Financially Strained
Nollywood actor Lanre Adediwura has claimed that starring in the television series “Wura” left him financially unstable.
Speaking during an interview on TVC Entertainment, the actor said the production prevented him from taking other movie roles that could have improved his earnings and career growth.
Adediwura added that he eventually relied on YouTube productions to recover financially after leaving the series.
Italian Court Clears Maduka Okoye In Betting Fraud Case
An Italian court has cleared Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye of wrongdoing in a betting-related fraud investigation involving his club, Udinese.
The case was terminated during a pre-trial hearing in Udine after betting operator Snaitech withdrew its complaint.
The ruling ends months of uncertainty for the Nigerian goalkeeper, who had missed several Serie A fixtures earlier in the season due to the investigation.
CAF Introduces New Rules After AFCON Final Controversy
The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has announced new regulations following controversies that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe admitted that officiating and match management deficiencies contributed to the chaotic ending of the final.
The match initially saw Senegal declared champions before a CAF appeal board overturned the result and awarded the title to Morocco after disciplinary rulings tied to Senegal’s protest walk-off following a late VAR penalty decision.
CAF said the new rules are aimed at improving officiating standards, security coordination and match management at future tournaments.
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