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Folarin Kehinde

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Elephant attacks Oyo residents, kills one, another missing

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Panic has gripped parts of Oyo State after a wild elephant attacked residents of Innayin community, leaving one person dead and another missing.

The elephant attacks in Oyo state, which occurred around 3:30 pm on Thursday, prompted a swift response from the Nigeria Police Force, alongside local vigilantes and hunters, following a distress call.

Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka confirmed that the lifeless body of a 45-year-old man was discovered in a nearby bush with injuries consistent with an animal attack. The remains have since been evacuated to a general hospital for examination.

“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public of an unfortunate incident that occurred on Thursday, 23rd April 2026, at about 1530HRS, involving the attack of Innayin Community by a wild elephant.

“Upon receiving a distress call, police operatives, in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On arrival, the lifeless body of one Ibrahim Tijani ‘M’, aged 45 years, was discovered in a nearby bush with injuries consistent with an animal attack,” the statement read.

He added that another resident is currently missing after an encounter with the animal, with security operatives intensifying search efforts to locate him.

Authorities said personnel have been deployed to secure the area and prevent further casualties, while urging residents to remain calm, avoid affected locations, and report any sightings of the animal.

“While efforts are ongoing to secure the community, the command emphasises the importance of handling such incidents with due regard to wildlife conservation laws.

“Relevant authorities, including the National Park Service Nigeria, are being engaged to provide expert guidance on safely managing the situation,” Olayinka said.

The police also disclosed that relevant agencies, including the National Park Service Nigeria, are being engaged to provide expert guidance on managing the situation.

“We understand the concerns this incident has generated within the community. Our officers are fully on ground, working with relevant stakeholders to secure the area and prevent further casualties.

“We appeal to residents to remain calm, avoid the affected locations, and continue to cooperate with the police and other authorities as we work to bring the situation under control in a safe and professional manner,” he said.

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Health

Nigeria records fresh COVID case

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A fresh case of COVID-19 has been recorded in Nigeria.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the case was recorded in Cross River State.

Speaking at a news conference in Calabar, on Tuesday, Dr Henry Ayuk, the state’s Commissioner for Health, said the case involved a Chinese national, who worked with Lafarge and flew into the country on March 17, before taking ill.

The commissioner stated that the Chinese’ case became worse at the medical facility of his office and had to be taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

He explained that at the UCTH, his samples were taken and all protocols followed; it was subsequently confirmed that he had symptoms of COVID-19.

“We are, however, happy to report that he is doing well,” the commissioner said.

Ayuk asserted that the ministry of health had, however, been repositioned by the current administration, to handle and manage any situation – diseases or epidemic outbreaks.

According to him, unfortunately, there have been silent infections and clear cases from time to time.

“But we are determined that for every ailment, every disease or outbreak, if it is identified here in the state, there should be no alarm.

“The state will do well in terms of surveillance or containment of an outbreak. Whatever it is, we will do our best to contain it. So, there is no alarm.

“When this case was reported in about three or four days ago, we decided to be careful to confirm and ensure that the processes involved with identifying and confirming every case of COVID-19, are duly followed.

“The protocols have been followed and confirmed that a 53-year-old Chinese who work in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state has COVID-19,” he said.

On her part, Dr Inyang Ekpenyong, State Epidemiologist, announced that in response to the case, the state emergency response unit had been activated.

She, however, noted that there was currently an ongoing contact tracing and line listing of those the Chinese may have been in contact with.

While noting the last case of confirmed case of COVID-19 in Cross River to be in 2022, the epidemiologist, however, feared that the Chinese may have contacted the virus here in Nigeria.

“The incubation period for this virus is usually between two to 14 days, but the Chinese flew into Nigeria from China on March 17 and started developing the symptoms on April.

“This is well beyond the 14 days incubation period. Like I said, we are doing the line listing of those he may have come in contact with, as part of our containment efforts.

“We have also activated the emergency response center and deployed rapid response teams to Akamkpa, where the victim works.

“There is no way we can stop this disease, but we can stop the disease outbreak.

“It will be wrong not to contain or manage it by ensuring that people do not die,” she stated.

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BREAKING: Tinubu sacks Edun, appoints Oyedele as Finance Minister

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle, effecting changes in the membership of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) with the exit of two ministers and the appointment of replacements.

The decision, conveyed in a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, directed the immediate redeployment of portfolios to strengthen governance delivery.

According to a statement issued by Special Adviser to the SGF on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Mr. Wale Edun has been relieved of his duties as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy under the reshuffle.

He is to hand over to Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, who has now been elevated to the position from his previous role as Minister of State in the ministry.

Similarly, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, is to exit the cabinet, with the President naming Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma as ministerial nominee and minister-designate for the ministry.

The directive also mandates that Dangiwa hand over to the Minister of State in the ministry, pending Darma’s confirmation and assumption of office.

According to the memo, all handover and takeover processes are to be completed by close of business on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

Explaining the rationale for the changes, Akume said the reshuffle was designed to “strengthen cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieve more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He added that the President exercised his constitutional powers under Sections 147 and 148 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in effecting the changes.

The President expressed appreciation to the outgoing ministers for their service to the nation and wished them success in their future endeavours.

Akume further conveyed the President’s assurance to cabinet members that the process of reinvigorating the government would be continuous and in line with the administration’s policy objectives.

 

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Breaking: FG files treason charge against ex-minister Sylva, others

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja against former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, a retired Major General, a retired Naval Captain, a serving police inspector and three others over their alleged involvement as coup plotters in a plot to wage war against Nigeria and commit acts of terrorism.

The other defendants, Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (retd), Captain (NN) Erasmus Victor (retd), Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni and Abdulkadir Sani, are scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the court.

Sylva is said to be at large.

The charge, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, accuses the defendants of offences ranging from treason and terrorism to failure to disclose security intelligence and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.

At the heart of the case is an allegation that the defendants conspired in 2025 to undermine the Nigerian state.

According to the charge, they “conspired with one another to levy war against the state to overawe the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.

The prosecution further alleged that the defendants had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving one Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others, but failed to alert authorities.

The charge states that they, “knowing that and was intended to commit treason, did not give the information thereof with all reasonable despatch to either the President or a Peace Officer.”

In a related count, the defendants were also accused of failing to take preventive steps, as they allegedly “did not use any reasonable endeavours to prevent the commission of the offence.”

Beyond treason, the Federal Government is prosecuting the defendants for terrorism-related offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The charge alleged that they “conspired with one another to commit an act of terrorism in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Particularly, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru are accused of participating in meetings tied to terrorist activities.

Prosecutors claim they acted “in a bid to further a political ideology which may seriously destabilize the constitutional structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The charge also accuses the defendants of providing support for terrorism, alleging that they “knowingly and indirectly, rendered support” to facilitate acts of terror.

In addition, the prosecution alleged a deliberate suppression of intelligence, stating that the defendants “had information which would be of material assistance in preventing the commission of the act of terrorism, but failed to disclose the information to the relevant agency as soon as practicable.”

The case further traces financial transactions allegedly linked to terrorism financing, with multiple defendants accused of handling proceeds of unlawful activities.

Bukar Kashim Goni is alleged to have “indirectly retained the aggregate sum of N50,000,000 which forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: terrorism financing,” while Abdulkadir Sani allegedly retained N2 million from a similar source.

Zekeri Umoru, according to the charge, “without going through a financial institution, accepted a cash payment of the sum of N10million” and also retained an additional N8.8 million suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing.

Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim was also accused of taking possession of N1 million linked to the same alleged scheme.

All financial-related counts were brought under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

 

 

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BREAKING: Retired Police Officers Shut Aso Rock Gate, Demand Tinubu Sign Pension Bill

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Presidential Villa in Abuja came under tension on Monday as retired police officers staged a protest at one of the main gates of Aso Rock, demanding immediate action from Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the long-awaited Police Exit Bill.

The protesters, made up of elderly retirees and some of their family members, blocked access to the gate early in the day.

Leading Reporters reports that their action disrupted movement in the area and drew the attention of security operatives stationed at the Villa. Political podcast series

The demonstration was organised under the umbrella of the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria.

The retirees said their protest was the result of years of frustration. They described the current pension system as unfair and deeply damaging to their welfare. Nigerian cultural tours

According to them, the system has left many former officers struggling to survive after dedicating decades of service to the country.

At the centre of their demand is the Police Exit Bill. The proposed law seeks to remove the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme.

The bill was passed by the National Assembly in December 2025 and forwarded to the Presidency in March 2026. However, it is yet to receive presidential assent.

Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the protesters made their grievances clear. Some of the inscriptions read, “Police dey work, PenCom dey chop” and “Tinubu, sign our bill now.”

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Headlines

Gunmen kidnap 14 JAMB candidates in Benue

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Gunmen have reportedly abducted 14 passengers, mostly candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), during an attack on a commercial bus travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo in Benue State.

It was gathered that the victims, largely young adults, were travelling on Wednesday night to Otukpo, where they were scheduled to sit for their examinations on Thursday.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The bus, which was conveying about 16 passengers—mainly young men and women—was ambushed by armed attackers along the route.

Sources said only the driver and one passenger managed to escape the attack.

The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, who confirmed the incident to journalists in Makurdi, said the victims were heading to the town for their examinations when the attackers struck.

“The victims are young people coming to Otukpo to write JAMB. Security agents have been deployed and efforts are ongoing to rescue them,” Ogiri said.

Efforts to obtain a response from Benue Links, the state-owned transport company, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report, as neither the spokesperson nor the General Manager responded to calls or messages.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said she had yet to receive an official report of the incident.

“I’m just hearing it from you now. I’m going to confirm and get back to you,” she said.

However, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Enemari, confirmed the development, stating that he is personally leading an operation in Otukpo to rescue the victims.

“I’m in Otukpo now. My team and all DPOs are in the bush, and I am heading the operation,” Enemari said.

He explained that the bus was intercepted by armed men, resulting in the abduction of most of the passengers.

“What happened was that a Benue Links bus carrying passengers to Otukpo was stopped and attacked by hoodlums. Fourteen passengers were kidnapped, but one managed to escape,” he said.

The police commissioner also noted that the bus may have been operating outside approved hours.

“Benue Links, as a policy, does not usually operate at night. From what we gathered, official operations had closed, but the driver, for reasons we are still investigating, picked up passengers along the road. When he got here, the incident occurred,” he added.

Enemari assured that security operatives are working to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted passengers.

“We are on the ground to make sure the victims are rescued,” he said.

 

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ADC: We’ll Fight Again to Restore Democracy, Atiku Abubakar Warns FG

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday declared that Nigerians who once resisted military rule are ready to confront any force undermining democracy, vowing a renewed struggle to safeguard the nation’s democratic values.

Speaking at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) convention in Abuja, Atiku said the country was drifting dangerously away from democratic ideals, accusing the Federal Government and electoral authorities of actions capable of eroding constitutional governance.

“Let the Federal Government know that we fought the military to bring democracy in this country, and we are going to fight them to bring democracy in this country,” he said.

The former presidential candidate lamented what he described as a collapse of critical sectors of national life, including the economy, security, education, and healthcare, insisting that urgent action was required to reverse the trend.

According to him, the current situation calls for collective resolve among Nigerians, particularly members of the ADC, to ensure what he termed a “genuine and sincere change” in leadership.

Atiku also took a swipe at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that the electoral body was being manipulated to undermine democracy.

“It is clear, it is obvious, the evidence is there. INEC is being used to scuttle democracy in this country. We will not allow that to continue,” he stated.

He urged Nigerians to rise above ethnic and religious sentiments and unite in the struggle for credible governance, stressing that the future of younger generations was at stake.

Earlier, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, had also criticized the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing it of suppressing democratic rights and prioritizing wealth over the welfare of citizens.

Amaechi decried restrictions on freedom of assembly and alleged misuse of state institutions against Nigerians, warning that worsening economic conditions and insecurity could deepen public hardship.

Both leaders, however, emphasized the need for unity within the ADC and the emergence of a credible candidate capable of challenging the status quo, as political realignments continue ahead of future elections.

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BREAKING: Insecurity will stop after elections – Akpabio

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has attributed the rising insecurity in the country to the forthcoming election, saying there will be a change after the elections.

Speaking at the official launch of the Nigerian Revenue Service Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, on Tuesday, Akpabio said President Bola Tinubu is performing so well and those opposed to him do not know what to do than to sponsor insecurity.

He said immediately after the election, insecurity will be a thing of the past.

He said, “Insecurity is increasing because election is coming, because people don’t know what to do again. Immediately after election, two weeks after election, the insecurity will stop. The insecurity is being sponsored by people.”

Mocking the opposition for being in disarray, Akpabio aimed a dig Peter Obi, candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential election, saying, “Opposition is in disarray, someone got six million votes and abandoned the party, abandoned the six million votes and went shopping for another platform and they are blaming the ruling party.”

He appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the present administration, adding, “Let Nigerians be patient with you, you are doing the right thing.”

He said Dr Zacch Adedeji is the first tax-man that Nigerians love, “even in the Bible people don’t like tax collectors. Zacch has done very well and Nigerians are happy with him.”

Among those who attended the event aside from Akpabio were President Bola Tinubu who commissioned the complex, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

 

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Confusion as AI confirms INEC Chairman’s ownership of controversial X account

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Grok, an AI assistant built by xAI has confirmed that Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC owns the controversial X account, indicating his alleged involvement in partisan politics.

LEADING REPORTERS reports that the social media was recently flooded with claims alleging that the INEC boss operated a personal account on X and had used it to endorse or interact with a partisan post.

Our correspondent learnt that the controversial acct with ID: 1567086242164101120 was allegedly created in 2022 prior to his appointment as INEC Chairman.

Despite the pushback from the commission in a statement, claiming that the INEC boss does not operate a personal account on X, netizens have continued to dig out old posts from the account.

For clarification, Bashir Ahmad, a presidential media aide in the immediate past administration, inquired from grok to verify the claims.

He writes, “Hi @Grok, for sake of transparency, what is the original name of the X account with ID: 1567086242164101120 and was it created in September 2022, before it was later changed to joashamupitan in November 2025?”

The AI replied, “The X account ID 1567086242164101120 was created on September 6, 2022, under the username joashamupitan”.

According to grok, “Public reports and account tracking confirm that was its username from creation until April 10, 2026, when it was updated to Sundayvibe00”.

Reacting, an X user, @Normalyzed wrote, “At this point, the Nigerian Senate should summon the INEC chairman to appear before it. There are receipts everywhere in the media”.

Another commenter, @White_Superion said “Bashir Ahmad just indirectly set the INEC chairman up.

“Like most that wanted him out due to his religious stand. Bashir has been wishing for him to resign, but doesn’t know how to go about it as a loyal party man.

“The opportunity comes with this previous post, still @BashirAhmaad, had to rely on Grok to say his mind without offending the party.

“Bashir wants him out on religious grounds not owing to his allegiance to APC. Know this and Know peace”.

 

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Nigerian Air Force kills over 50 in ‘accidental bombing’ at Borno–Yobe Border Market

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

No fewer than 56 people, mostly traders, are feared dead, while 14 others have been hospitalized following an airstrike on a weekly market along the Borno–Yobe border.

The incident occurred at Jilli Market, located between Gubio and Geidam Local Government Areas of Borno and Yobe states, on Saturday.

The airstrike was suspected to have been carried out during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

The weekly market usually attracts traders and buyers from surrounding communities, including Gubio, Chiweram, and Benisheikh in Borno State, as well as Gurokayeya and Geidam in Yobe State.

Multiple sources said the fighter jet that carried out the operation was tracking a group of suspected insurgents believed to have visited the market to collect levies from traders and obtain supplies. However, the strike reportedly missed its intended target.

An eyewitness said at least 56 people have been confirmed dead, while 14 others are receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital in Geidam, Yobe State.

“The incident happened around 2:46 p.m. while business activities were ongoing. Four fighter jets carried out the attack, though the fourth jet was not clearly visible. We only heard the sound of explosions.

“I counted 56 corpses myself and helped rescue two injured people, taking them to the hospital. I believe the number of casualties may be higher, as more bodies are still being recovered,” the source said.

When contacted, the councillor of Fichimaram Ward, Malam Lawan Zanna, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust, stating that about 20 people had been admitted to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam.

“The incident occurred at Jilli village’s weekly market under Fichimaram Ward in Geidam LGA. From the information available to us, it was an airstrike.

“When the jets launched their attack, people panicked and began to run, but the strikes continued. As we speak, over 30 people have been killed.

“More than 20 people were hospitalized in Geidam. Two were referred to the Teaching Hospital in Damaturu. Out of those receiving treatment, nine have died, bringing the death toll to over 30,” he said.

The Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (rtd), confirmed the incident, but said it occurred within Borno State.

“I have spoken with the chairman of Geidam Local Government, who informed me that Jilli village falls under Gubio LGA of Borno State. You may contact officials in Maiduguri for further details,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Nigerian Air Force regarding the incident.

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