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 ADC Appeal Committee Divided Over Kaduna Governorship Candidate A fresh dispute has emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State, as members of the party’s Primary Election Appeal Committee have issued conflicting rulings on the outcome of the governorship primary election. While the committee’s secretary and several members reaffirmed Isa Ashiru as the party’s duly elected governorship candidate, the committee chairman, Dr. Mustapha Fagge, announced a separate decision recognizing Shu’aibu Idris-Mikati as the ADC flagbearer. Speaking to journalists at the ADC State Secretariat in Kaduna on Tuesday, the committee secretary, Dr. Mikailu Ibrahim Barau, said his faction upheld the primary election results that produced Ashiru, based on records compiled by the party’s electoral committee. Barau insisted that Ashiru remains the validly nominated candidate and urged the party’s National Secretariat to disregard the so-called “Abuja Declaration,” which allegedly l...

 EFCC Arraigns Oil Magnate, Musa Abubakar, Two Others for AllegeN691m Fraud    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, arraigned the Managing Director of Abu-Haneefa Oil and Gas Ltd, Musa Farouk Abubakar; his company, Abu-Haneefa Oil and Gas Ltd, and one Sandra Chizoba Attoh before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, for fraud. They were arraigned on amended 15-count charge, bordering on conspiracy to commit fraud, corruption and money laundering to the tune of N691,677,310.00 (Six Hundred and Ninety-one Million, Six Hundred and Seventy-seven Thousand, Three Hundred and Ten Naira). Count 10 of the charge reads: “That you Musa Farouk Abubakar, being the Managing Director of Abu Haneefa Oil and Gas Ltd on or about 21st July 2025, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this honourable court transferred the total sum of N297,000,000 (Two hundred and ninety-seven million Naira) from Abu-Haneefa Oil and Gas Ltd ...

 Court Jails  One  for N2.9m  Crypto Fraud in Maiduguri    Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court sitting in Maiduguri, on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 convicted and sentenced one Bukar Ahmed Shuwa to ten years imprisonment.   The convict was arraigned on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 by the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a one -count amended charge for the offence of cheating to the tune of N2,950,000.00 (Two Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira).   The charge reads: "That you, Bukar Ahmed Shuwa sometimes in the year 2024 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court fraudulently induced one Mahmud Ali to deliver to you the aggregate sum of N2, 950,000.00 under the guise of Crypto Bitget Wallet Coin Investment and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 309 and punishable under Section 310 of the Penal Code Law and Other Matters Connected the...

 HEADQUARTERS JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAVANNAH SHIELD DISMISSES FALSE ALLEGATIONS OF TROOPS’ NEGLIGENCE AND EXTORTION IN CHIKANDA AREA The attention of Headquarters Joint Task Force (HQ JTF) (North Central) Operation Savannah Shield (OPSS) has been drawn to an online report published by Sahara Reporters alleging that troops deployed at Yashikara community, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, abandoned their duty post and relocated to Chikanda during an attack in order to establish checkpoints for the purpose of extorting motorists. The report further alleged that troops failed to respond to a distress call during an attack on the Emir’s Palace in Yashikara community. Headquarters OPSS wishes to categorically state that these claims are false, misleading, and a deliberate misrepresentation of facts. For clarity, JTF OPSS has no deployment in Yashikara community, which clearly invalidates the claim that troops abandoned or relocated from the area during the incident. Tro...

 PRESS RELEASE EDO POLICE COMMAND DEBUNKS FALSE KIDNAPPING REPORT INVOLVING STUDENTS OF GREEN PARK ACADEMY, ADUWAWA The Edo State Police Command has become aware of a misleading and unfounded report circulating on social media alleging that students of Green Park Academy, Aduwawa, Benin City, were kidnapped. The false narrative, which is being propagated by a woman popularly known as “Azawoman,” has generated unnecessary concern among members of the public. Following a thorough verification and preliminary investigation by the Command, it has been established that no kidnapping incident occurred at the school as alleged. Findings reveal that the report is entirely false, lacks any factual basis, and was deliberately disseminated to misinform the public and create unwarranted panic within the State. The Command strongly condemns the reckless spread of false information capable of undermining public confidence, causing fear among residents, and diverting attention from genuine securi...

 Russia's Putin hosts Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan in the Kremlin Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan began a three-day visit to Russia on Wednesday, meeting President Vladimir Putin, AFP reported. During a televised meeting with Putin in the Kremlin, Hassan described her trip to Russia as "historic." Putin said he was pleased to see Hassan in Russia and called for the two countries to "increase trade." Bilateral trade currently stands at just over $307 million annually, and the two countries' major joint project is a planned uranium mine that has been on the drawing board for more than a decade. Trade, tourism, and mineral deals A Russia-Tanzania Business Council was created in January and last month Air Tanzania announced the launch of flights from Dar es Salaam to Moscow by the end of the year. Hassan has brought a business delegation to Moscow and hopes to cement deals in trade, tourism and minerals. Her state visit to Russia is ...

 Four sentenced to death by hanging over Owo church attack ‎Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced four suspects to death by hanging for executing the deadly June 5, 2022 attack on Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State. ‎The convicts were among the five accused persons who had been standing trial on a nine-count terror!sm charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), in connection with the attack at the church that claimed the lives of 40 worshippers and left over 100 injured. The massacre triggered nationwide outrage and international condemnation, with widespread calls for authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible for the attack. The convicts include Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), and Abdulhaleem Idris (25). The fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47), was discharged and acquitted.

 Ekiti community protests as kidnappers hold 16 victims despite N10.5m ransom payment Residents of Eda-Oniyo Community in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State have staged a peaceful protest, calling for urgent intervention from the state and Federal Governments, as well as security agencies, over the continued captivity of 16 k!dnapped residents despite the payment of a N10.5 million ransom. The protesters, comprising community leaders, relatives of the victims, women and youths, said the abductees had remained in captivity for 36 days, with the kidnappers now demanding an additional N50 million for their release. The victims were abducted on April 28, 2026, when suspected bandits attacked a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) during a service in the community. The attackers reportedly k!lled the presiding pastor and k!dnapped 16 worshippers. According to residents, the kidnappers initially demanded a N1 billion ransom, which was later reduced to N150 million before being furth...

 “Please forgive me if I made anyone feel unseen” — Gospel singer Yinka Alaseyori responds to criticism over comment she made in viral clip Gospel singer Yinka Alaseyori has addressed concerns raised by some Nigerians following a video she shared about the recent kidn@pping incident. In a new video, the singer explained that she had originally recorded a one-hour, 30-minute prayer session for the kidn@pp£d children, their families, government authorities, security agencies and Nigerians going through pain, but discovered that only a portion of the video was circulated. According to her, some people felt offended and believed their voices were not heard because of the shortened clip. Reacting, Alaseyori apologised to anyone who felt overlooked, saying she would never intentionally make anyone feel unseen or unheard. “Please forgive me if I ever made you feel offended, unseen, or if I spoke in a way that seemed insensitive,” she said.

 Two suspects arrested in Mozambique over murder of Marais couple in Kruger National Park Police have confirmed a major breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of Ernst and Dina Marais, whose bodies were discovered near Crooks Corner in the Kruger National Park last month. According to Limpopo SAPS, two Mozambican nationals aged 32 and 33 were arrested in Mozambique following coordinated cross-border investigations involving South African police, Mozambican authorities, SANParks, and other stakeholders. The couple’s stolen Ford Ranger double cab was recovered in Chókwè, Mozambique, on 26 May 2026. Police say the recovery of the vehicle led to the arrest of the first suspect in Chókwè on 1 June, while the second suspect was arrested in Xai-Xai on 2 June 2026. The Marais couple, aged 71 and 73, were last seen at the Pafuri Picnic Site on 20 May 2026 before they were reported missing. Their bodies were later found near Crooks Corner with multiple stab wounds. Police opened c...

 ANSACA Unveils New HIV Strategy, Expands Community Testing to Benefit Ndi Anambra By Obianuju Isima The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo has unveiled a comprehensive new strategy aimed at strengthening HIV prevention, testing, treatment and community engagement across the state, a move expected to significantly improve public health outcomes for residents. The initiative is part of the Soludo administration's efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and align Anambra's HIV response with Nigeria's National HIV/AIDS Prevention Plan (2026–2030). The strategy focuses on expanding awareness campaigns, prevention programmes and testing services to communities across the state's 21 Local Government Areas. Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, said the agency is prioritising grassroots interventions, data-driven programmes and active community participation to reduce new HIV infections and accelerate prog...

 Ariko Abduction: Kaduna Woman Gives Birth In Captivity, Escapee Reveals A woman abducted during an Easter church service in Ariko village, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has reportedly given birth while being held in a bandits’ camp, according to an escapee who recently fled captivity. The account was shared on Facebook by Reuben Buhari, a former media aide to the late Governor Patrick Yakowa, based on the testimony of a woman who escaped after trekking through the bush for about three days. According to the survivor, the pregnant woman went into labour about a week ago under extremely difficult conditions, without access to medical care. Other female captives reportedly assisted with the delivery using the limited resources available in the camp. She explained that the women, already weakened by hunger and harsh living conditions, did their best to support the birth. With no medical instruments available, one of the women eventually used her teeth to cut the baby's...

 Moses Bliss Sparks Reactions After Emotional Encounter With David Oyedepo Moses Bliss has stirred reactions online after sharing a video showing his rare meeting with David Oyedepo, popularly known as Winners’ Chapel. The video, posted on the singer’s Instagram page on Monday, June 1, 2026, captured the moment Moses Bliss quickly knelt down to greet the respected cleric before they exchanged pleasantries. Fellow gospel singer Dunsin Oyekan was also seen in the clip and was acknowledged by Bishop Oyedepo during the encounter. Sharing his excitement about the moment, Moses Bliss wrote: “What a remarkable blessing and honor to meet Papa Bishop David Oyedepo. What a man, what an inspiration! I’m so challenged to pursue greater kingdom purpose. Thank you Pastor @officialsteveogah.” The video has since sparked mixed reactions across social media, with many users sharing different opinions about the singer’s respectful gesture toward the influential cleric. Meanwhile, the moment comes sh...

 Akon Says Many Famous Musicians Are Secretly Broke Akon has opened up about the financial realities of the music industry, stating that many artists are not as wealthy as people often believe. According to the singer, the glamorous lifestyles and luxury frequently displayed by musicians on social media and in music videos can be misleading, as a lot of artists are not financially secure. Speaking during an interview with Hip Hop Eye, Akon explained that although the music business generates huge revenue, those working behind the scenes often earn more than the performers themselves. He noted that executives and professionals in other sectors of the industry usually make more money than the artists who are in the spotlight. “In the music industry, the artist is the last to get paid. He is the broke one but he is the most famous. If you want to be broke and famous, be the artist. “But if you want to make real money go to other sectors of music business, like the producer, songwriter...

 Faithia Williams Mourns Adesina Okiki: Recalling Their Final Moments Before Tragic Crash The Yoruba filmmaking community has been thrown into mourning following the sudden and tragic passing of beloved actor, filmmaker, and comedian, Adesina Okikiola, popularly known as Janmole. The talented entertainer lost his life in a devastating car accident on Monday, June 1, 2026. Amidst the wave of tributes pouring in from colleagues and fans, multi-award-winning Nollywood actress Faithia Williams has shared a deeply emotional post detailing her final encounter with the late actor just days before the crash. A Heartbreaking Last Conversation Taking to her official Instagram page, Faithia Williams recounted how she and Okiki crossed paths over the weekend for a meet-and-greet event. At the time, she had no inkling that their cheerful interaction would be their last. Expressing her profound shock, she wrote: "You still did and meet for me on Saturday. I didn’t know that was the last time we...

 FG SEEKS DEEPER TIES WITH ISRAEL IN MANY AREAS The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Israel in agriculture, security, education, healthcare and technology as part of efforts to drive Nigeria’s socio-economic development. Receiving the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, in Abuja, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, says Nigeria possesses vast agricultural resources, a large population and enormous economic potential that can be further unlocked through strategic partnerships and investment. He also commends Israel’s achievements in agriculture, healthcare, education and technology, describing the country as a model of resilience and innovation. Ambassador Freeman expresses Israeli’s readiness to collaborate with Nigeria in boosting food production through advanced agricultural technologies and capacity development. He also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in security, inc...

 Alleged N10.2b Fraud: EFCC  Presents 17 Witnesses  against Ali Bello,  Closes Case       The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, closed its case against Ali Bello, a nephew of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, and his co-defendant, Dauda Suleiman, after presenting 17 witnesses before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja.   The defendants are being prosecuted on amended 16-count charges, bordering on misappropriation and money laundering to the tune of N10,270,556,800.00 (Ten Billion, Two Hundred and Seventy Million, Five Hundred and Fifty-Six Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira).   At the Tuesday sitting, the 17th Prosecution Witness, Ahmed Audu Abubakar, an investigator with the EFCC concluded his testimony under re-examination by prosecution counsel, Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.   During the proceedings, the prosecution tendered stat...

Gunmen kidnap ex-minister Adelabu’s sister, children in Ibadan The sister of the former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress 2027 gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State, Bayo Adelabu, and her twin children have been kidnapped in Ibadan, the state capital. An eyewitness told newsmen that the incident occurred on Wednesday in the Challenge area of Ibadan South West Local Government Area of the state. Confirming the incident, one of the media aides to Adelabu, Femi Awogboro, said, “Adelabu’s younger sister, together with her twin (Peter and Paul), were kidnapped this morning (Wednesday) by unknown gunmen at Elewura, Challenge, Ibadan. “The family members were going out this morning from Elewura to link the express when they were attacked and whisked away by the unknown kidnappers,” he explained. Over 40 teachers and students were kidnapped on Friday, May 15, 2026, during a coordinated attack at Ahoro-Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area of the state. It will also be recalled tha...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND  PRESS RELEASE TEENAGER ARRESTED OVER SUSPECTED CULPABLE HOMICIDE IN DARAZO LGA The Bauchi State Police Command is investigating a case of suspected culpable homicide following a tragic incident reported in Kari Village, Darazo Local Government Area.   On 24th May 2026 at about 1615 hours, a report was received at Darazo Divisional Police Headquarters alleging that one Abdullahi Muhammad, male, aged 17 years, of Kari Village, drowned in the Kari River under circumstances suspected to involve one Aisanu Nura, male, aged 18 years, also of the same address. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly lured the deceased to the river and drowned him. Operatives from Darazo Division promptly responded to the scene, arrested the suspect, and commenced preliminary investigation. The body of the deceased is yet to be recovered, and search efforts are ongoing. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department...

 Some of the Images being shared as those of the kidnapped schoolkids of Oyo state were of maltreated  kids in Mali  Pictures taken in Mali in June 2020, when a teacher flogged his young students, have been shared on social media to make people believe they are the pictures of the abducted Oyo students, an analysis by Africa54Research has revealed. The distributors of the images are most probably terrorists' sympathisers, out to sow fears in our society and paint the government and the security forces black, as the government is making efforts to get the kids and their teachers released.

 Peabo Bryson, the legendary R&B singer known for his iconic Disney duets, has sadly passed away at the age of 75 after suffering a stroke just days prior. His family released a statement confirming his death, which occurred on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.  With a career spanning over five decades, Bryson won two Grammy Awards for his work on Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" and "Aladdin" 1 2, Bryson's legacy extends beyond his Disney hits, with a discography that includes chart-topping soul records and duets with renowned female singers. He was known as the "Voice of Love" for his smooth and soulful voice.  Some of his notable works include "A Whole New World" with Regina Belle and "Beauty and the Beast" with Celine Dion 3 Before his passing, Bryson was celebrating his 50 year music legacy with the "Golden Touch Tour" and had announced a new album "Grace" produced by Jimmy Jam and Terr...

 2027: It would be evil of Deltans to vote against Tinubu because he is our in-law — Governor Oborevwori The governor of Delta state, Sheriff Oborevwori, says it will be evil for any resident of the state to vote against President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, According to him Tinubu is an in-law of the state and deserves its supports. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, the governor said Tinubu is the only likely presidential candidate with a direct connection to the statebecause his wife Oluremi, is an Itsekiri woman.  “Among the candidates that emerged, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the only one that has an affiliation to Delta State. The man is an in-law here, and it would be evil to vote against your in-law. It’s a family affair. In the South-South, the people in Delta are saying this is their own. They were deceived before. Now they can’t. The First Lady is holding the state strong, and no Itsekiri person will vote against Tinubu. No Urhobo man will beca...

 Anambra Govt Moves to Restore Order at Ogbaru Electronics Market   By Amaka Isikala The Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to market reforms aimed at improving safety and orderliness, as the Commissioner for Commerce, Mr. Nomso Chukwuma Ebonwu, met with traders and officials of Ogbaru Local Government Area. The meeting held on today, June 2 at Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka, brought together the Commissioner, the Mayor of Ogbaru LGA, Sir Kenneth Akwuobi, Chairman of Ogbaru Electronics Traders Association, Mr. Azubuike Nwafor, and members of the association’s executive. Discussions focused on the current condition of Ogbaru Electronics Market and steps needed to sanitise trading activities. The traders’ delegation appealed to the state government to intensify enforcement and ensure that street traders relocate to officially designated spaces. They argued that clearing roadways and walkways would reduce accidents, ease congestion, and create a more c...

 PRESS RELEASE EDO POLICE ARREST SUSPECTED KIDNAPPER, RECOVER BODY OF ABDUCTED WOMAN, INTENSIFY MANHUNT FOR REMAINING GANG MEMBERS  It will be recalled that on 9th May, 2026, three women, namely Mrs. Favour Nosakhare (66), Mrs. Emmanuel Annabel Osasere (28), and Miss Rejoice Otikpere (26), were abducted by armed kidnappers who invaded their residence in Iyowa Community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State and whisked them away into a nearby forest. Days after the abduction, the kidnappers contacted members of the victims’ family through a video call during which the women were seen being brutally flogged and tortured while their captors demanded ransom for their release. The disturbing development heightened concerns among residents and further galvanized the Edo State Police Command into intensive efforts towards rescue of the victims and apprehending the perpetrators. Acting on intelligence and leveraging both tactical and technological resources, operatives o...

 Abia NMA Suspends Strike as Kidnapped Orthopaedic Surgeon Regains Freedom The Abia State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has confirmed the release of renowned orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Bonaventure Aguocha, who was kidnapped on May 24, 2026. The association disclosed that Dr. Aguocha spent nine days in captivity before regaining his freedom, expressing gratitude to the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, for their roles in securing his release. In a statement, the Chairman of the NMA in Abia State, Dr. Ezenwa Ezuruike, and the Secretary, Dr. Clement Ifenkoronye, also commended the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other stakeholders for their contributions to the successful rescue of the surgeon. The NMA leadership expressed relief and joy over the development, noting that the industrial action earlier scheduled to commence on June 2 in protest against the abduction had been suspended following...

 Tina Fey marks 25 years of marriage with husband Jeff Richmond: 'You were all wrong' Tina Fey marked her 25th wedding anniversary with husband Jeff Richmond in her signature humorous style.  During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the Four Seasons actress joked about defying skeptics who doubted their marriage would last, quipping, “So you all were wrong.  Everybody said we weren’t gonna make it.” Fey revealed that she and Richmond celebrated the milestone with a quiet weekend in Los Angeles following the premiere of her show’s second season. The couple opted for a low-key celebration, spending time poolside and enjoying a child-free trip to the mall. Fey described the outing as blissfully simple, noting how liberating it felt to browse without having to cater to kids.  She even joked about spending an hour looking at wide shoes with Richmond, calling it “love” and declaring the experience “awesome.” The actress emphasized that their understa...

Mandy Moore Opens Up About Failed IVF Attempt Before Welcoming Daughter Lou Mandy Moore is opening up about a chapter of her fertility journey that did not go as planned. Speaking on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast, the actress and singer revealed that she once underwent IVF in hopes of creating embryos she could use later when she felt ready to expand her family with husband Taylor Goldsmith. Although she conceived her first two sons naturally, Moore said she viewed IVF as a way to give herself more flexibility in the future. She explained that the process ultimately did not produce the outcome she had hoped for. "I did a round of IVF, and it was unsuccessful. We didn't get any viable eggs or embryos," Moore shared. "I thought, okay, maybe that settles it. If it's supposed to happen, then it will happen naturally." At the time, Moore said she was already grateful for the family she had. Referring to her sons, August "Gus" Harrison Goldsmith and...