FAAN Arrests Four Suspected Bandits Near Akure Airport
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Sunday announced the arrest of four suspected bandits within the vicinity of Akure Airport at Eleyewo in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State. The suspects were apprehended during a coordinated security operation involving aviation security personnel and local security agencies.
The arrests come amid a wave of kidnappings and violent attacks reported in the Ilu-Abo community located near the airport. Authorities said security surveillance around the airport environment has been intensified to prevent further threats and ensure the safety of travellers and nearby residents.
Police Arrest Wanted Cult Leader in Ondo
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspected cult leader, Akinwale Tomiwa, who had been on the command’s watchlist over alleged cult-related activities in Owo Local Government Area. Police operatives apprehended him in Akure following credible intelligence.
Tomiwa is believed to be the leader of the Eiye Confraternity operating around Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo. The arrest was carried out by the command’s Special Anti-Cultism Squad as part of ongoing efforts to curb cultism and related crimes across the state.
NLC Demands Cost-of-Living Allowance Amid Fuel Price Hike
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Sunday called on the Federal Government to introduce a cost-of-living allowance and wage award for workers following the recent increase in fuel prices. The labour body also demanded tax relief measures to cushion the economic impact on Nigerian workers.
According to the NLC, the rising cost of living triggered by fuel price hikes, linked partly to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, has placed additional pressure on households. The union urged the government to urgently implement policies that would ease the financial burden on citizens.
Residents Flee FCT Communities Over Bandits’ Threat Letter
Residents of Kungaboku and neighbouring Paze communities in the Federal Capital Territory have fled their homes after suspected bandits issued threats of coordinated attacks. The warning was reportedly contained in a letter discovered in a pupil’s school bag at a private school.
In the letter, the bandits allegedly vowed to attack the communities to avenge the killing of their commander. The development has sparked fear among residents, prompting many families to relocate temporarily while security agencies intensify surveillance in the area.
Boko Haram Attacks Military Outposts in Borno
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have launched attacks on military positions in Borno State, targeting an outpost in Ajilari on the outskirts of Maiduguri and another base in Baga. Security sources said the assaults occurred almost simultaneously.
Troops reportedly engaged the insurgents in heavy gunfire during the attacks. Authorities are yet to release an official casualty figure, but security operations have been intensified in the affected areas to repel further insurgent advances.
FG Accuses Mining Firm of Plotting Campaign Against Tinubu
The Federal Government has accused mining firm Jupiter Limited of planning a campaign of calumny against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his upcoming state visit to the United Kingdom. Officials said the alleged move is aimed at discrediting reforms in Nigeria’s mining sector.
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development dismissed claims that Nigeria seized a British lithium project, describing the allegation as misleading. According to the government, the dispute followed the revocation of mineral licences belonging to Basin Mining Ltd for failing to meet statutory financial obligations.
NDLEA Arrests 74-Year-Old Man With 11kg Cocaine at Abuja Airport
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a 74-year-old man, Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja for allegedly attempting to smuggle cocaine to the United Kingdom.
NDLEA said the suspect was intercepted while preparing to board a British Airways flight to Heathrow Airport, London. During a search of his luggage, officials reportedly discovered 11 kilograms of cocaine concealed in food items wrapped in foil papers and balloons.
Tinubu Orders Nationwide Rice Distribution for Ramadan, Lent
Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a political support group backing President Bola Tinubu, has begun plans to distribute rice across Nigeria to support citizens observing Ramadan and the Lenten season. The directive was said to have come from the President.
The group’s Director-General and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, disclosed the development in a statement on Sunday. He said the initiative is aimed at supporting vulnerable Nigerians during the fasting periods observed by Muslims and Christians.
Fire Destroys Shops at Jos Terminus Market
A fire outbreak at the popular Terminus Market in Jos, Plateau State, destroyed more than ten shops on Saturday night despite the swift response of firefighters and emergency personnel.
The blaze reportedly started around 10:00 p.m., sending thick smoke into the night sky as flames spread across sections of the market. Traders lost goods and property in the incident, while authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.
Wike-Aligned PDP Faction Elects Akinoso as Oyo Chairman
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has elected Abdulrahman Akinoso as its chairman in Oyo State. Akinoso is a lecturer in the Department of Food Technology at the University of Ibadan.
He emerged during the faction’s state congress held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, over the weekend. The development highlights ongoing internal divisions within the party at the state level.
Only Electoral Bandits Boast of Rigging Elections – Adeleke
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has said only “electoral bandits” boast about using federal might to rig elections, insisting that President Bola Tinubu is not involved in such practices.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke criticised the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress for allegedly threatening to deploy federal influence in the upcoming governorship election. He made the remarks while addressing leaders and ward officials of the Accord Party across the state.
Sanusi Explains Calm After Losing Powerful Positions
The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has said his faith in God helped him remain calm after losing two of the most powerful positions he once held. Sanusi spoke during the Fola Adeola Annual Ramadan Lecture.
He reflected on how he maintained resilience following his suspension as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and his later removal as Emir of Kano. The monarch urged people not to attribute their fortunes solely to individuals, emphasising that outcomes ultimately depend on God’s will.
Keyamo Vows to Sack Officials Before Being Removed
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said he will not hesitate to remove officials under his supervision if necessary. He stressed that he would rather take decisive action than risk being blamed for failures within agencies under his ministry.
Keyamo made the remarks during an interview on African Independent Television. He explained that although he previously allowed agencies such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to operate with minimal interference, he now recognises that the ultimate responsibility still rests with him.
Bala Mohammed Reportedly Set to Defect to APC
Indications have emerged that Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed may be planning to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Sources familiar with the development said negotiations regarding the terms of his defection were still ongoing. The governor, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, is reportedly expected to join the APC this week, though discussions about party structure control in Bauchi remain unresolved.
Kiekie Explains Why She Keeps Husband Off Social Media
Nollywood actress and content creator Kiekie has explained that her decision not to post her husband on social media is intentional and tied to how she manages her online brand.
Speaking during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, she said her Instagram page primarily serves as a platform for professional activities such as comedy skits and brand promotions. According to her, since her husband is not involved in the business side of her work, she prefers to keep that aspect of her life private.
Shaffy Bello Reveals She Tied Her Tubes Years Ago
Veteran Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has revealed that she underwent a medical procedure to prevent having more children. She said she decided to tie her fallopian tubes about 26 years ago.
Speaking on her YouTube channel, Shaffy Bello TV, the actress explained that the decision was made despite her former husband’s request for them to have more children. She said she had already decided to limit the number of children she would have.
UEFA Cancels 2026 Finalissima Between Spain and Argentina
UEFA has cancelled the 2026 Finalissima between Spain and Argentina due to the ongoing political situation in the Middle East. The match was originally scheduled for March 27 in Doha, Qatar.
The fixture was expected to pit Spain, winners of Euro 2024, against Argentina, champions of the 2024 Copa América. UEFA said environmental and timing constraints made it impossible for both teams to compete despite efforts to preserve the intercontinental clash.
Manchester United Beat Villa as Fulham, Leeds Drop Points
Manchester United boosted their Champions League hopes with a 3–1 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford in the Premier League. Bruno Fernandes played a key role, assisting goals as United took control in the second half.
Villa briefly levelled through Ross Barkley, but Matheus Cunha restored United’s lead before substitute Benjamin Sesko added a late third. Elsewhere, Crystal Palace were held to a goalless draw by ten-man Leeds United at Selhurst Park, while Fulham also dropped points in their fixture.
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