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Folarin Kehinde

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Young Nigerian Innovators Shine at Technovation Regional Pitch Event 2026 in Abuja

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigeria’s next generation of tech innovators took centre stage in Abuja as the Odyssey Educational Foundation hosted the Technovation Regional Pitch Event 2026, showcasing groundbreaking mobile application solutions designed by young Nigerians to tackle pressing societal challenges.

Held at the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Headquarters on May 19 and 20, the event attracted more than 270 participants, with 64 teams presenting innovative ideas focused on healthcare, housing, safety, education, and community development.

The competition, which featured Beginners, Junior, and Senior divisions, highlighted the creativity, technical expertise, and problem-solving abilities of students and young innovators passionate about science, technology, engineering, and innovation.

At the end of the rigorous pitching and evaluation sessions, seven teams advanced to the semi-final stage of the competition.

Team Daisy Health Impact emerged from the Beginners Division, while Tech Titans, Pantheons, and Rent Buddies qualified from the Junior category. In the Senior Division, Creative Sparks, Blazzer, and Lex Tech secured advancement.

Speaking during the event, Technovation Chapter Ambassador and Executive Director of the Odyssey Educational Foundation, Engr. Stella Uzochukwu-Denis, urged participants to continue using technology as a force for social transformation and national development.

According to her, empowering young innovators with digital and entrepreneurial skills remains critical to building sustainable solutions for Africa’s future.

Representatives from leading organisations, including the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN, Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, National Association of Technology Educators, NATE, TechWomen, PanAfricare, and PICTT, also addressed participants, encouraging them to pursue excellence and leadership in STEM-related fields.

The participating teams demonstrated their applications before a panel of judges, explaining the societal relevance of their innovations, research processes, and app functionality.

Projects were evaluated based on creativity, research depth, presentation quality, user interface design, and overall functionality.

Organisers described the programme as a major success, commending the enthusiasm, collaboration, and innovation displayed by participants from across the country.

They noted that despite minor technical and scheduling challenges, the event successfully reinforced the growing momentum of youth-driven innovation and technology leadership emerging in Nigeria.

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Ekiti State
Headlines

Kidnapped passengers escape as bandits doze off in forest

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Few of the passengers who were abducted along Itobe-Ajegwu-Anyigba road in Ofu local government of Kogi State have escaped.

The kidnappers were said to have attacked two buses filled with passengers.

One of the buses has registration number, Ebonyi NKE 737 XA.

A motorcycle rider was also said to have been forcefully whisked to unknown destination alongside the travellers in the incident which reportedly happened on Saturday.

A resident, Ahiaba Michael, said security operatives, including vigilantes and hunters, trailed the armed hoodlums shortly after the incident but were not successful.

However, a security source disclosed that barely three hours after the attack, one Monday Agi was arrested in connection with the incident.

The suspect allegedly lost his way due to mounting pressure by the security personnel.

The source said: “When interrogated, the suspect claimed to be on board of a trailer from Ekiti, but decided to alight around the scene of the incident to continue the journey by trekking to his destination.

“He said when he heard gunshot, he decided to flee into the bush with two herders whom he claimed he did not know.”

The source added that the suspect is already in the police custody while the manhunt against the armed hoodlums is being intensified.

Meanwhile, three of the kidnapped victims, who identified themselves as Micheal Adejo, Monday and Mariam Yakubu, claimed to have escaped from their abductors after they dozed off in the forest.

The escapees noted that the hoodlums numbering up to 10 operated with AK 47 and Pump Action rifles.

“The bus I boarded suddenly ran into their barricade. On stopping, they filed us out, wielding AK 47 rifles and pump Action guns . The second bus behind us was shot at and the driver rammed into cashew trees. All of us were taken to the bush thereafter.

“On our way, we were stopped, and asked to lay face down. In the process, they searched our pockets and evacuated everything in it , including, money, our cell phones and other valuables. We are many , all passengers from two Hummer buses,” he said.

According to Adaji, another escapee, they crawled out of their assailants’ cell when they retired to a place and slept off.

“When I noticed that the hoodlums closer to my position started sleeping , I started crawling gradually. After a distance was covered, I got up ,and with luck I ran until I reach a village with these two others,” said Adaji.

The Kogi state police command’s spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, was contacted over the incident , but failed to respond to text and call asthe time of filing this report.

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El Rufai
Headlines

Court grants El-Rufai N100m bail, seizes his passport

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday granted N100 million bail to the detained immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, who is facing trial over the alleged unlawful interception of the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

As part of the bail conditions, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered the defendant to produce a surety who must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17.

According to the court, the surety must not only be resident in either Maitama or Asokoro highbrow districts of Abuja, but must deposit the original Certificate of Occupancy of a landed property not valued below the bail sum.

It held that the surety must also provide evidence of receipt of salary for at least three months with an authenticated letter from the manager of a bank within the jurisdiction of the court.

Furthermore, the court directed the surety to depose to an affidavit of means and equally submit a recent passport photograph to its registry.

It added that a verification letter from the surety’s immediate department must be submitted alongside a tax clearance certificate covering the last six months.

The defendant was further mandated to surrender his valid international passports amd not travel out of the country without permission.

Justice Abdulmalik ordered the defendant to report to the headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS) every last Friday of the month by 10 a.m. to sign an attendance register, pending the determination of the case.

The trial judge warned that failure to comply with any of the conditions would lead to an automatic revocation of the bail.

Besides, the former governor was directed to submit a letter of attestation from the Chairman of the Kaduna Traditional Council, even as it ordered accelerated hearing of the case.

El-Rufai, who was governor between 2015 and 2023 and also Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, faces a five-count amended charge marked FHC/ABJ/99/2026.

The DSS alleged that he committed the crime with some people who are currently on the run.

It told the court that the defendant admitted on February 13 when he appeared as a guest on Arise TV Station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, that he aligned with others and unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the NSA, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

The security agency further alleged that the defendant had in the course of the television interview, stated that he knew and related to a certain individual who had unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s telephone communications without reporting the person to the relevant security agencies.

By failing to report the crime, El-Rufai was said to have committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 27 (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition , Prevention, etc) Amendment, Act, 2024.

More so, it was alleged that the defendant, while acting in cahoots with others that are still at large, used technical equipment that compromised public safety, national security and instilled reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians, following the unlawful interception of the NSA’s calls.

He was accused of committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 131 (2) Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

Though the prosecution initially entered a three-count charge against the defendant, however, at the resumed proceedings on Thursday, it got the court’s nod to replace it with an amended charge.

El-Rufai is currently facing multiple cases in both Abuja and Kaduna State.

He had in his reaction to what he described as an attempt by operatives of the DSS to “abduct” him at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on February 12, 2026, upon returning from Cairo, insisted that the security agency was being instigated by the ICPC which he said had received a directive from the NSA, Ribadu, to detain him.

The former governor claimed the information got to him through someone who listened in on the NSA’s telephone conversations.

In a motion he filed to challenge his trial, El-Rufai gave 17 reasons why the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, which the DSS entered against him, should be quashed by the court.

Aside from his argument that the charge was incompetent and legally defective, the former governor argued that the DSS has no legal backing to elevate a “casual remark” he made during a television interview to “a confession” that he had indeed tapped the NSA’s telephone line as alleged.

He argued that the statement he made on Arise TV did not constitute a confessional statement in law, saying for a statement to be admissible as a confession, “it must be made under caution, voluntarily, and in circumstances that satisfy the Judges’ Rules.”

El-Rufai maintained that statements he made in the course of his television interview were “without any caution or warning, in a voluntary public discussion and without the protections afforded to suspects in custody.

“A casual remark in a television programme cannot be elevated to a judicial confession,” he further argued.

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Politics

‘It’s time to go,’ constituent tells rep who has been in parliament for 27 years

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta, Dr Eyiseifa Ebiowe, has called on the lawmaker representing Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency, Nicholas Mutu, to leave the National Assembly.

Ebiowe stated this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, on Sunday.

He said the lawmaker, who has been representing the federal constituency since the return to democracy in 1999, should shelve the idea of seeking re-election.

Ebiowe alleged that the lawmaker, in spite of being the oldest member of the National Assembly, had never introduced nor sponsored any bill.

“He hardly ever makes contributions of any kind at plenary or even committee sessions, and generally just occupies space, to the annoyance of his colleagues.

“His official record in the Hansard of the House of Representatives remains at zero for bills and other recorded contributions in 27 years, going to 28.

“How do you have a man in the parliament for a full generation of nearly 30 years without ever introducing a bill, sponsoring a motion or making contributions to national discourse?

“Indolence alone cannot fully explain such catastrophic failure. A near absolute lack of capacity is what we have and witnessing in the poor performance of Nicholas Mutu in the house,” he said.

Ebiowe recalled that Mutu was for 10 years (2009 to 2019), by reasons of ranking or long stay, the House Chairman of the Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

“Those years are still regarded as seasons lost to the locusts, unremarkable and under-achieving and remains 10 years of sloth and upheaval in the commission,” he stated.

The Bomadi APC leader, who described the lawmaker as inactive in the House of Representatives, urged him to leave so as to open space for a “more worthy” representative for the federal constituency.

According to him, Mutu has offered no useful contributions to his people or to the federation.

“His lethargic performance in parliament is so bad that there is no record of even a single bill or motion sponsored by him for seven tenures in the house of representatives.

“He has not contributed anything significant to the realisation of the objectives and development agenda of the Ijaw nation in the parliament and it will be a waste of the people’s time and resources to continue to keep him there.

“Without presenting bills or representing no ideas or goals, he is just sitting idle and being of no use to the house and his constituency.

“He is a perfect example of the old order that must give way for Nigeria to embrace a new order that will be active and productive.

“Indolence cannot be a virtue in these times of urgent crave for development,” he said.

According to him, Mutu is supposed to have come from the same cultural environment that produced the likes of the accomplished John Pepper Clark, Prof. Alfred Opubor, Chief Edwin Clark and many other men and women of letters and fame who had made remarkable contributions to the development of Nigeria.

“Instead, right before our eyes, the job of the house of representatives has left Mutu behind.

“He watched askance while the job grew in scope, power and sophistication without him being able to grow with the job.

 

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Headlines

Jabi Lake takeover stands even if God comes down – Wike

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the intervention at Jabi Lake, a popular recreation park in Abuja, ordering a crackdown on substandard developments around the park.

The Minister said this in his reaction to the appeal of Rev Serah Omaku, Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, Abuja.

Leading reporters had reported how the preacher knelt on the pulpit, pleading with Wike not to repossess the land.

A video of the Pastor’s appeal went viral on social media.

But speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike dismissed the Pastor’s concerns, insisting that enforcement action at Jabi Lake was guided by law, not sentiment.

“You talk about the woman kneeling down and begging. I’m not carried away by such emotions. Begging to do what? Who owns Jabi Lake? How does it become your own? First of all, I came on board; that place was given to a company that said they wanted to turn it into an entertainment place, but they have turned it into shanties.”

One of these days I went there and said, ‘This can’t be; there is a hotel, and who would come to stay in that hotel when there are shanties all over?’ You don’t know if there are criminals.”

He stated that the allocation had been revoked and would be reassigned to investors with the capacity to develop the site, adding that strict conditions would guide the new arrangement.

“You cannot allocate land and leave it for that long with nothing to show. We revoked it. Now we want to give it to people who are ready to develop it,” Wike said.

“We will reallocate the land with clear conditions. If there is no development within the specified time, we will take it back.

“To the woman who was crying, if she likes, let her call God to come down. What is my business? How does Jabi become hers? Is it an individual or government property? We are trying to make sure investors develop this land for the interest of all of us.”

Wike said several plots around the lake, initially allocated for high-end developments, had remained undeveloped for over a decade and had since deteriorated into makeshift settlements.

The minister confirmed that the FCT Administration had begun revoking such allocations, signalling a tougher stance against land speculation in the capital city.

“You must sign to develop within a given period. If you fail, the land returns to government. It is as simple as that,” he added.

Wike, however, rejected suggestions that the exercise is intended to restrict public access to the lake, clarifying that the focus is on reclaiming misused or abandoned land.

“We are not taking anything from the public. We are reclaiming land from those who failed to do what they were supposed to do or who converted it to unauthorised uses,” he said.

He also decried the distortion of approved land use, citing instances where recreational spaces were converted without authorisation.

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Entertainment

Why I moved to Kenya – Femi Lazarus

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Popular Nigerian cleric, Femi Lazarus, has announced his relocation to Kenya, describing the move as a divine instruction marking a new phase in his ministry.

The founder of Light Nation Church revealed in a viral video that the decision was not personal but based on what he believes is God’s direction for his assignment.

“That is the instruction God gave to us (to relocate). It is a very significant morning for us in this new phase of our assignment.That God we have to be here (in Kenya),” he said.

According to him, the move signals a transition into a broader global outreach, with a focus on expanding his ministry’s presence in East Africa.

The announcement, which was made during a church gathering in Kenya, has since generated mixed reactions online, with supporters describing it as obedience to divine direction, while others questioned the timing and motive behind the relocation.

The cleric’s move underscores a growing trend of Nigerian religious leaders expanding their influence beyond the country as they seek wider global audiences.

 

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Headlines

IGP scraps SWAT nationwide

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Inspector-General of Police, Rilwan Olatunji Disu, has announced a major operational reform within the Nigeria Police Force with the creation and nationwide deployment of the Violent Crime Response Units (VCRUs), replacing the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams.

Disu disclosed this on Tuesday during an emergency meeting with Commissioners of Police and senior officers at the Force Headquarters, stating that the newly established VCRUs would operate across all 36 state commands and the Federal Capital Territory.

He explained that the units, which evolved from the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) structure, would be under the direct supervision of state Commissioners of Police, who will bear full responsibility for their conduct and operational outcomes.

According to the IGP, the VCRUs have undergone intensive training in tactical operations, intelligence gathering, human rights compliance, and rules of engagement. He emphasized that the units would rely strictly on credible intelligence and not be deployed arbitrarily.

A key feature of the reform, he said, is the integration of civilian oversight into the operations of the units to ensure transparency and accountability.

Disu also used the occasion to condemn the recent extra-judicial killing of a suspect in Effurun, Delta State, describing the act as unlawful and a violation of professional policing standards. He confirmed that the officer involved and members of his team had been dismissed, while the case has been forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecution for further action.

“The Nigeria Police Force under my leadership has zero tolerance for extra-judicial actions. Accountability will be pursued to its logical conclusion,” he stated.

On community policing, the IGP directed Commissioners to engage regularly with community stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society groups, to build trust and enhance intelligence gathering. He also ordered that Commissioners make their contact details accessible to community leaders to strengthen communication channels.

As part of broader reforms, Disu mandated an immediate and comprehensive audit of arms and ammunition across all commands, describing it as a critical step toward preventing misuse and improving operational readiness.

Highlighting recent achievements, the police chief revealed that in April 2026 alone, the Force arrested 28 suspected terrorists, 85 kidnapping suspects, 51 murder suspects, 62 armed robbery suspects, and 54 individuals linked to cultism. He added that 189 kidnapped victims were rescued nationwide within the same period.

 

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Business

Tatum Bank Marks First Year, Reports Solid Growth, Innovation Drive

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Tatum Bank on Tuesday marked its first anniversary, highlighting strong performance, rapid digital innovation, and a positive outlook for future growth.

The bank, which commenced operations a year ago, said its journey has been defined by a bold market entry, a solid operational foundation, and a clear trajectory towards sustainable growth and industry leadership.

Tatum Bank noted that within its first year, it demonstrated resilience and strategic focus, despite significant pre-operational investments, while building a growing presence in Nigeria’s banking sector.

The bank also disclosed that it successfully met the recapitalisation requirements set by the Central Bank of Nigeria, a move it said reinforces its financial strength and long-term commitment to the Nigerian financial system.

As part of its digital-first strategy, the bank rolled out a range of innovative solutions aimed at improving access and convenience for customers. These include a mobile banking application, debit cards, corporate internet banking, and an expanding point-of-sale network designed to serve individuals, small and medium enterprises, corporates, and institutions.

Further underscoring its investment in technology, Tatum Bank was named a finalist at the Infosys Finacle Innovation Awards 2026 in the “Transformation Excellence – Core Banking Transformation” category.

Speaking on the milestone, the Managing Director, Niyi Adeseun, said the bank’s first year reflected both challenges and achievements.

“Our first year has been both challenging and rewarding. Despite significant pre-operational investments, we achieved a Profit Before Tax of ₦1.7 billion in 2025, a testament to the strength of our strategy, the dedication of our team, and the trust of our customers. We have built not just a bank, but a platform for growth, innovation, and inclusion.”

He added that the bank would continue to prioritise secure and seamless banking services while expanding its digital capabilities and deepening financial inclusion.

“Tatum Bank is committed to remaining a safe haven for our customers by continuously delivering secure, seamless, and innovative banking solutions. As we look ahead, our focus remains on scaling our digital capabilities, deepening financial inclusion, and creating sustained value for all stakeholders.”. Adeseun added.

The bank stated that within one year of operations, it has built a market presence anchored on strong corporate governance, technology-driven operations, and customer-focused service delivery.

It expressed optimism about its future, noting that it would continue to expand its footprint, empower customers, support businesses, and contribute to economic growth as it enters its second year of operations.

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Headlines

Bride’s father, hypeman shot dead at Lagos wedding party

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

There was pandemonium on Saturday after a yet-to-be-identified father of a bride and a hypeman, identified simply as Victor, were shot dead by suspected cultists on Governor’s Road in the Ikotun area of Lagos State.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the incident occurred on Oviawe Street in the community shortly after a wedding ceremony had been concluded and guests had moved to an after-party.

It was gathered that the assailants stormed the venue while the celebration was still ongoing, as guests scampered for safety.

 

A resident who identified himself simply as Tosin said Victor was entertaining guests when the attackers struck.

He said, “They were holding an after-party after the wedding ceremony was held at an event centre on Governor’s Road. It was during the celebration that the gunmen entered their midst and opened fire indiscriminately.

“This made everyone present run for their lives. They then went straight to Victor, dragged him outside onto the street and started hitting him with dangerous weapons.”

Another resident, who did not want his name mentioned due to the sensitive nature of the incident, said the bride’s father, who was uncomfortable with the attack, decided to intervene and was shot in the process.

The source further disclosed that the attack might not have been directly connected to the wedding but could be linked to ongoing rival cult clashes in the community.

“This area has been experiencing cult-related issues for some time. It is possible that the attackers were trailing someone or targeting a rival, but innocent people ended up as victims,” the source added.

Speaking about one of the victims, a resident who preferred to be called Steve, said Victor was a known person in the community.

“I was inside when my wife told me that something had happened outside. When I got outside, I was told Victor was involved in the incident. It was later that I realised that he was someone I usually see on our street. He has a small stature.”

As of the time of filing this report, the identities of the bride’s father and the attackers had yet to be ascertained.

When contacted on Monday, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident.

“The matter is being investigated; it will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, today unfailingly,” she said.

The incident adds to the number of cult-related activities in the community and the state as a whole, even as the state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, continues to engage stakeholders on curbing its occurrence.

PUNCH metro reported in April that three yet-to-be-identified male adults were hacked to death by suspected cultists while returning from a birthday party in the Lagos Island area of the state.

 

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Headlines

Xenophobia: 130 Nigerians apply for evacuation as tensions rise in South Africa

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has confirmed that 130 Nigerians in South Africa have applied for voluntary evacuation as tensions rise following renewed anti-foreigner protests in parts of the country.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a situation report shared via her X handle on Sunday, noting that Nigeria is closely monitoring developments and taking steps to safeguard its citizens.

According to her, “Consequently, arrangements are currently underway to collate details of Nigerians in South Africa for voluntary repatriation flights for those seeking assistance to return home. So far 130 applicants have duly registered for the exercise with our mission in S.A, but this figure is expected to rise.”

Her statement comes amid heightened concern over recent anti-foreigner demonstrations in Pretoria and Johannesburg, which have triggered global condemnation and renewed fears among foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

The minister explained that Nigerian diplomatic missions are actively engaging with South African authorities to ensure the safety of citizens while efforts continue to de-escalate tensions.

She added that Nigerian associations in South Africa are also assisting in the registration process for those seeking to return home voluntarily.

The development follows reports of recent violence linked to xenophobic rhetoric and protests in some cities, which have heightened anxiety within the Nigerian community in South Africa.

Authorities in both countries are expected to continue consultations as the situation unfolds, while Nigeria says its priority remains the protection and safe return of its citizens who wish to leave.

 

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