Category: Daily Trust

Bello Bodejo, an aspirant for the Taraba Central Senatorial District seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.

Daily Trust had reported how Bodejo, also the president of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, was arrested on Thursday night.

He was picked up by security operatives after arriving in Jalingo via the Danbaba Suntai Airport.

According to Bodejo’s personal aide, Malam Umar, the APC aspirant was arrested after some political associates accompanied him to the office of a security agency.

Speaking in a telephone interview with Daily Trust, Umar said Bodejo had since been moved to Abuja and handed over to the EFCC.

He said the nature of the offence he committed was yet to be disclosed to his family.

He alleged that the arrest was due to his growing popularity in the Taraba Central Senatorial Zone race.

He also accused key government officials and politicians in the state of masterminding the arrest.

‘As I am talking to you now, the screening of aspirants for governorship, Senate and House of Representatives seats is about to be concluded, and the aim of those behind the arrest is to prevent him from participating in the screening exercise,’ Umar alleged.

The Federal Ministry of Regional Development (MRD), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will on Monday commence a series of zonal technical validation workshops across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to fine-tune the draft National Regional Development Policy (NRDP) 2026-2030.

The nationwide consultations, scheduled to begin on May 11, are expected to bring together stakeholders from federal and state governments, Regional Development Commissions, local government authorities, civil society organisations, the private sector, academia, and traditional institutions.

According to a joint statement issued by the Ministry and UNDP on Saturday, the workshops represent the final phase of consultations before the policy is consolidated into a single national framework for submission to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.

The statement noted that the NRDP was designed to address regional disparities, unlock economic potential, and promote inclusive and balanced national development across the country.

It added that the policy was developed with technical support from UNDP and aligns with the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union Agenda 2063.

Speaking on the initiative, the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, described the policy as a strategic framework for coordinating development efforts nationwide.

‘This policy provides the guiding framework for regional development in Nigeria. Each Development Commission is expected to derive its master plan and operational agenda from it, in line with the Ministry’s mandate to coordinate regional development efforts. Stakeholders must now engage it critically to ensure it is robust, inclusive, and implementation-ready,’ he said.

The statement explained that UNDP supported the Ministry in strengthening the policy’s design, ensuring methodological rigour, and integrating global best practices in regional development planning, governance, and implementation.

Also speaking, the Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, said the policy signalled a major shift towards people-centred and inclusive development.

‘The National Regional Development Policy signals a decisive shift – one that takes a people-centric and inclusive approach. At UNDP, we are proud to stand alongside the Ministry of Regional Development, Regional Development Commissions (RDCs) and state governments in advancing this ambition through our Integrated Smart States Programme (ISSP) approach.

‘Through the ISSP, we are supporting a model of development that is balanced, locally driven, and connected – where trade, digital innovation, and sustainable energy converge to create jobs. By validating this approach across all six zones, Nigeria is strengthening its sovereign capability to turn regional diversity into a shared national collective advantage,’ she said.

According to the statement, the validation workshops are aimed at aligning governments, building political ownership, and generating evidence-based input on issues such as growth hubs and corridors, financing pathways, governance arrangements, gender inclusion, climate resilience, digital transformation, and youth development.

The zonal workshops are scheduled to hold as follows: South East in Enugu on May 11; South South in Port Harcourt on May 13; North Central in Lafia on May 25; South West in Ibadan on June 3; North West in Kano on June 8; and North East in Maiduguri on June 10.

The process will conclude with a National Consolidation and Political Validation event in Abuja on June 24, 2026.

The statement added that each zonal engagement would produce a formal communiqué and technical report to support the national consolidation process.

The Kano State Police Command says it has arrested a suspected arms dealer and recovered three fabricated AK-47 rifles and other exhibits in its fight against criminal activities in the state.

ýPolice spokesman, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, in a statement on Sunday, said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad carried out a sting operation at Dandinshe Quarters, Dala Local Government Area, on Saturday, leading to the arrest of one Umar Danladi Usman, 35, of Kurna Layin Masallacin Juma’a.

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ý’The suspect was intercepted in a Honda Accord vehicle with tinted glass. A search yielded three fabricated AK-47 rifles (revolver type), five live cartridges, an empty AK-47 shell, a suspected fake police ID card, three sharp jack knives, a pair of jungle desert boots, among other items,’ the statement said.

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ýIt also said during interrogation, the suspect confessed to procuring the rifles from Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State.

ýThe police said discreet investigation is ongoing to track his accomplices and dismantle the supply network.

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ýKiyawa stated that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the operatives for their professionalism which he said was aimed at tackling violent crimes through intelligence-led operations.

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ýHe assured residents that the Command will sustain aggressive operations against illegal arms trafficking, kidnapping, and other violent crimes, urging the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, yesterday chaired the wedding ceremony of Cherina and Muna Okey Ezeibe in the enchanting city of Marrakech, Morocco, in what was a remarkable celebration of love, friendship, family, and African unity.

The wedding, which took place on Saturday, 9th May 2026, brought together dignitaries, family members, and close associates from across the continent in a ceremony marked by elegance and profound symbolism.

At the heart of the celebration were the proud parents of the groom, Mr. and Mrs. Okey Ezeibe, who watched with immense joy as their son began a new chapter of life.

The occasion held special significance given the longstanding friendship and enduring relationship between Mr. Okey Ezeibe and His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, a bond built over many years of mutual respect and camaraderie.

Also present were the bride’s proud parents, including her father, Mr. Lassina Zerbo, former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, whose distinguished presence underscored the significance of the union as a beautiful convergence of respected families and shared African heritage.

Chairing the occasion, His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar described marriage as a sacred institution built on love, sacrifice, patience, and mutual respect, while offering prayers for the enduring happiness, peace, and prosperity of the newly wedded couple.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Marrakech, the ceremony was not merely the union of two individuals, but a celebration of friendship across borders, cultural harmony, and the timeless values that bind families together.

The Police have arrested Idrisu Musa, a 25-year-old resident of Kebbi State, who reportedly attacked a couple, Muhammed Haruna and his wife, Habiba with a cutlas at Asarara, a village in Kimba District, Jega Local Government Area of the state.

A statement by the police said the suspect had reportedly intimidated the couple with a cutlass on several occasions before they were killed.

The police public relations officer, Kebbi command, SP Bashir Usman, said the Commissioner of Police, Umar M. Hadejia, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

A former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has picked the governorship nomination form of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 elections.

Malami disclosed this via a post on his social media handles at the weekend.

He said worsening insecurity, poverty, poor healthcare, educational decline, and economic hardship in Kebbi made him join the race.

He alleged that Kebbi State is currently facing one of the worst humanitarian and governance crises in Nigeria, citing alarming statistics on out-of-school children, multidimensional poverty, maternal mortality, malnutrition, and insecurity.

The former minister also expressed concern over the condition of the healthcare sector, stating that maternal mortality remains high while many rural communities lack access to adequate antenatal care and other essential health services.

‘The political atmosphere in Kebbi State has changed dramatically following the formal decision of Abubakar Malami to secure the governorship nomination and expression of interest forms of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 governorship election.’

‘Across political and grassroots circles, Malami’s entry into the race is already being described as the long-awaited ‘Operation Rescue’ mission to pull Kebbi State out of worsening insecurity, economic stagnation, collapsing public services, and what many residents now openly describe as a dangerous era of leadership failure.

‘For years, Kebbi – once regarded as one of Nigeria’s most promising agricultural states – has steadily drifted into hardship. Public frustration has grown over rising poverty, failing infrastructure, insecurity, and declining social welfare indicators.

‘Today, the realities confronting ordinary citizens are grim. More than 67 percent of school-age children are reportedly out of school, leaving an entire generation at risk.

‘Rural healthcare systems remain severely overstretched, with maternal mortality, malaria infections, and poor antenatal care continuing to threaten thousands of lives.

‘Malnutrition levels among children have triggered repeated humanitarian concerns from international health organizations.

‘Armed banditry and kidnappings have destabilized communities, forced farmers off their lands, crippled local economic activities, and spread fear across several parts of the state.

Despite these challenges, critics argue that governance has remained disconnected from the daily suffering of the people.

‘It is against this backdrop that Malami’s entrance into the race is being viewed not merely as another political ambition, but as the emergence of a formidable alternative with the experience, national stature, and administrative capacity to reposition Kebbi State,’ the statement read.

Malami, who is battling different cases under the current administration, has alleged being witch-hunted.

In a renewed offensive against illegal mining and the growing threat it poses to communities and the nation’s economy, the Nigerian Army and the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have carried out a joint inspection of an illegal mining site in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

The operation followed the arrest and handover of 15 suspected illegal miners by the 176 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Gwagwalada, Abuja, in what security observers described as another bold demonstration of inter-agency synergy in tackling economic sabotage.

The joint investigative tour to the scene of the alleged crime was conducted in line with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) guiding the operations of the Mining Marshals, as authorities intensified efforts to ensure diligent investigation and seamless prosecution of the suspects.

Residents of the community had earlier expressed concerns over the environmental degradation, insecurity and public safety risks associated with the activities of illegal miners operating unchecked within the area.

Speaking during the operation, the Commander of Mining Marshals Operations, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, reaffirmed the commitment of the corps to the principles of the ‘3Cs’ championed by the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR.

According to him, the NSCDC helmsman consistently emphasises ‘Coordination, Collaboration and Cooperation’ as the critical pillars for effective security operations and sustainable national security management in Nigeria.

Onoja noted that the successful operation with the Nigerian Army further demonstrated the strategic value of intelligence sharing and institutional partnership in combating illegal mining and related criminal activities across the country.

At the conclusion of investigations, Mohammadu Sani and 14 others were formally charged to court accordingly.

The latest operation once again underscores the determination of the Mining Marshals and allied security agencies to restore sanity within Nigeria’s mining sector and dismantle illegal mining networks threatening the nation’s resources and local communities.

Bayero University, Kano, (BUK) has announced an extension of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) application period for eligible students for the 2025/2026 academic session.

This is contained in a special bulletin signed on behalf of the Registrar by the Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, issued to newsmen on Saturday in Kano.

Garba said the extension and reopening of the NELFUND portal followed a request by the university management, giving students the opportunity to apply from May 8 to 29.

‘This reopening provides the final opportunity for eligible students who have completed their screening to visit the official NELFUND portal at http://portal.nelf.gov.ng to commence and complete applications for both institutional charges and upkeep.

‘Applicants are advised to strictly follow all application procedures and upload the required documents on the portal,’ he said.

Garba stressed that all necessary documents must be properly uploaded to avoid delays or disqualification.

‘Applications for institutional charges and upkeep must be submitted simultaneously, as separate applications may not be processed,’ the director said.

He discouraged the use of microfinance bank wallet accounts such as Opay and Moniepoint for the application.

‘Applicants should ensure their email addresses are accurate and accessible.

‘Passwords must be securely kept and remembered, as they will be needed to access the portal and track application status,’ he said.

Garba urged all eligible students to take advantage of the final window and complete their applications before the deadline.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has cleared Dr Jamil Isyaku Gwamna to participate in the forthcoming gubernatorial primary election in Gombe State.

Daily Trust reports that Gwamna was picked as the consensus candidate of the APC in Gombe State, an arrangement rejected by two other aspirants, Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali and Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.

A statement issued by his spokesman, Ibrahim Sani Shawai, said the screening was conducted Saturday in Abuja, in line with the provisions of the party’s constitution and internal guidelines governing the nomination process.

The screening committee headed by Dr. Benjamin Obi Nwoye stated that Gwamna had satisfactorily fulfilled all constitutional and procedural requirements necessary to participate in the party’s governorship process ahead of the upcoming primary elections.

Shawai added that Gwamna expressed appreciation to the leadership of the APC for conducting a transparent, credible, and rigorous exercise aimed at strengthening internal democracy and ensuring quality leadership within the party.

‘I am honoured to have successfully gone through this important constitutional process of our great party. This exercise further strengthens confidence in the democratic values and internal structures of the APC,’ the gubernatorial hopeful said.

He stated that Gwamna reaffirmed his determination to consolidate the developmental strides recorded in the state under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

The APC governorship aspirant also commended the performances of Governor Yahaya and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that their leadership and developmental achievements have continued to strengthen public confidence in the APC at both state and national levels.

According to Gwamna, the visible progress recorded under the current administrations would further energise the party’s support base and make the APC’s campaign message more compelling to the people.

He also called on party members and supporters to remain united, disciplined, and focused, stressing that the success of the APC in Gombe State depends on collective effort, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to progress.

The appearance of the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda before the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship screening panel in Abuja has ignited widespread political controversy.

The issue surrounding Chinda’s screening comes amid heightened political tension in Rivers State and the cold war between Governor Siminilayi Fubara and his estranged godfather and ministry of the FCT, Nyesome Wike.

Daily Trust reports that it has also triggered intense reactions across social media and deepening speculation over shifting alliances ahead of the 2027 Rivers governorship election.

Chinda, who currently represents Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was screened on Saturday as an aspirant seeking the APC governorship ticket for the 2027 election in Rivers State.

His participation in the APC process, despite still occupying one of the highest-ranking positions of the PDP in the National Assembly, immediately sparked debates over political loyalty and the power equations shaping Rivers politics.

The development has further reflected the lingering crisis and realignments within the Rivers political establishment, especially amid the prolonged rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged political benefactor, Nyesom Wike.

The controversy intensified following reports that Chinda was the first aspirant screened by the APC panel, fuelling insinuations that powerful political interests may already be repositioning quietly ahead of the 2027 governorship contest.

Although Chinda has yet to formally announce his defection from the PDP, many political watchers interpreted his appearance before the APC panel as a major political signal capable of reshaping alignments in the state.

His actions has attracted serious reactions across social media platforms on Sunday

On Facebook, reactions ranged from disbelief to outright outrage, with many users lamenting the ‘erosion of party discipline and ideological consistency in Nigeria’s political system’.

A Facebook user, Samuel Ayayi, wrote: ‘I just read that someone is still a PDP Reps member in Abuja but an APC guber aspirant in Rivers. I don’t know how we’ll tell the story of this period to our kids without sounding stupid.’

Another user, Clement Olaolu Elusakin, described the development as part of what he called the ‘unprecedented political magic’ that has characterised the country’s political atmosphere since 2023.

For Yemi Olowabi, the unfolding situation reflected what he termed the deepening decline in Nigeria’s political culture.

‘It’s so heartbreaking and sad. We have never had it this bad,’ he wrote.

Some commentators also questioned the constitutional and ethical implications of a politician simultaneously retaining a major office in one political party while actively participating in the governorship process of another party.

‘I have never heard of a country where one person actively belongs to two political parties at the same time in a democratic setting,’ another user, Olubright Anjorin, wrote, describing the development as ‘a shame and disgrace.’

Others, however, argued that the Rivers political environment has become too unpredictable for conventional political calculations to apply.

‘Nobody can understand Rivers politics for now. Not even those playing it know what they are doing,’ Orike Didi commented.

The development equally generated sharp reactions on X, formerly Twitter, where several users linked Chinda’s appearance to the larger political struggle between camps loyal to Wike and Governor Fubara.

An X user, identified as @ndii_e, wrote: ‘Wike at it! I really thought Rt Hon. Chinda was going to fly the PDP flag. Fubara has a fight ahead of him.’

Another user, @Ibelong2God_, alleged that the move could be part of a broader political strategy aimed at weakening Fubara ahead of the governorship race.

‘Don’t be deceived. He bought the APC form because their plan is to work in both APC and PDP to stop Fubara. The governor has to be at the top of his game to beat Wike,’ the user posted.

Some reactions also focused on the legal dimensions of the development, with users questioning whether public office holders could openly participate in another party’s activities without a formal declaration of defection.

‘Surely, there’s absolutely no way it is legal to defect to political parties by public officers without public declaration?’ another user, identified as @DartZ___, queried.

Others reacted with sarcasm, with one user jokingly describing the unfolding political alignment as ‘PDAPC,’ while another referred to it as ‘Wike’s rainbow coalition.’