Category: PM News

The Eselu of Eseluland in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has called for thorough scrutiny of all candidates seeking to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun ahead of the 2027 election.

He said this while warning against allowing political affiliation, ethnicity or zoning to override competence and integrity.

The monarch said the next governor of Ogun State must be carefully examined based on competence, track record, character and family background, stressing that the quality of leadership that emerges in 2027 would have far-reaching consequences for the future of the state.

Oba Akinyemi made the call while speaking with journalists during the housewarming ceremony of his private residence at Obada Oko, Ogun State.

The traditional ruler also weighed in on the lingering crisis over the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary involving two Yewa sons, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, and Hon. Semanko Abayomi Hunye.

He urged the APC leadership to urgently establish a dispute resolution committee to address Hunye’s grievances, warning that allowing the disagreement to persist could further divide the party and embarrass the region.

Hunye, who contested the APC governorship ticket against Adeola, has challenged the outcome of the primary in court, alleging irregularities in the process.

Oba Akinyemi, who described both Adeola and Hunye as his subjects, appealed to political leaders to bring the two aspirants together and resolve their differences in the interest of Ogun State.

‘I think I will have to implore the party that they should call them together and resolve whatever their differences are.

‘As far as the claim is concerned, it would have been an issue for the political leaders. But as a royal father, what I will implore them to do is to put a committee in place. There should be a dispute resolution committee in the party,’ he said.

The monarch said he had been closely following the controversy, describing it as a situation of ‘agitation and counter-agitation’ which required urgent intervention by the APC leadership.

He also questioned the reported zero vote credited to Hunye at the governorship primary, saying the figure deserved clarification.

‘If actually Abayomi Hunye went for the primary, he can’t score zero. It’s not possible. Because he also voted. So, who stole his vote? That’s the fundamental question,’ Oba Akinyemi said.

‘Let’s assume everybody voted for Yayi; there’s no doubt about that. But what about Hunye? Can Hunye vote for Yayi? That’s not possible. So, that one vote, where is it? Who stole it?’

The traditional ruler, however, cautioned against pre-judging the matter, noting that the dispute was already before the court.

He urged the APC to use its internal dispute resolution mechanisms to address the grievances while allowing the judiciary to determine the legal issues surrounding the primary.

Oba Akinyemi acknowledged the agitation for Ogun West, also known as Yewa, to produce the next governor, describing it as legitimate given what he called years of political marginalisation.

However, he warned that the quest for power must not lead the people to compromise on competence and good governance.

‘Yes, Yewa is expected to have the government because we have been marginalised. You cannot erase that fact,’ he said.

‘But at the same time, we still want a good person that will give us good governance. I so much believe in good governance. That is my prayer.

‘I want somebody who can give us dividends of democracy. Basic education should be fundamental. Empower the people. That is what is paramount to me.’

The monarch therefore charged the media and civil society organisations to thoroughly investigate every governorship candidate before the election.

‘Whoever is going to be the governor of Ogun State should be thoroughly cross-examined.

‘We don’t have any other place to call our state. So, whosoever wants to take over from the governor, we should shun politics aside, irrespective of the party.

‘The press, the media, civil society organisations should bring everybody together and investigate them thoroughly, including their family background. That is very important,’ he said.

The Eselu further urged traditional rulers across Ogun State to remain politically neutral while encouraging their subjects to critically assess the candidates seeking their votes.

According to him, traditional rulers have a responsibility to guide their people towards informed choices without openly taking sides in the political contest.

‘Our role is to be neutral. Number two, to watch critically and make sure that we scrutinise one after the other and make sure that we are not going to pick a wrong choice,’ he said.

‘I implore all my traditional rulers that, please, this time around, we should be careful in making our choice. Pick the right choice.’

While commending the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun for what he described as its achievements, Oba Akinyemi said whoever succeeds the governor must be subjected to careful scrutiny to ensure continuity of good governance.

‘The government is putting its best. It has done a lot of tremendous work; there is no doubt about that. But whoever is stepping after him must be critically verified.

‘That’s my prayer,’ he added.

The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement 2027 has told former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to focus on selling his political agenda to Nigerians instead of criticising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his current vacation abroad.

The group dismissed concerns about Tinubu’s absence from the country, describing the trip as a normal break that does not amount to a leadership vacuum.

In a statement released in Kaduna on Sunday, the movement’s National Coordinator, Comrade Sunday Adekanbi Asuku, said the former vice-president should use the period leading to the 2027 general elections to explain how his proposed policies would differ from those of the current administration.

The group also raised questions about Atiku’s position on fuel subsidy, pointing to what it described as a shift from his stance during the 2023 presidential election.

It said voters needed to hear concrete and consistent policy proposals from politicians seeking their support.

‘After contesting for the presidency repeatedly since 1993, Atiku should be telling Nigerians what he intends to do differently, rather than spending his time attacking President Tinubu.

‘In 2023, he told Nigerians he would remove fuel subsidy. Today, he is talking about bringing it back. Nigerians deserve to know whether this is a genuine policy position or simply an attempt to respond to the current economic situation.’

The movement said preparations for the 2027 elections were already under way, following the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

It therefore advised opposition politicians to take their messages directly to voters and provide detailed solutions to the country’s economic and social challenges.

The group specifically challenged Atiku to explain how he would tackle the economy, insecurity and unemployment if given the opportunity to lead the country.

‘INEC has rolled out the timetable. Atiku should go out and campaign and tell Nigerians what he has for them. Criticising President Tinubu because he has gone on vacation will not work.

‘Presidents and world leaders go on vacation. A vacation does not mean a country has been abandoned. Nigeria has functioning institutions and officials responsible for ensuring that government continues to run,’ the group said.

The movement also called on Nigerians to judge the Tinubu administration on its policies and record, while urging opposition candidates to present credible alternatives as the 2027 election approaches.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has intercepted 47,200 pills of Captagon, popularly known as the ‘Jihadi drug’, alongside more than 3.9 million opioid tablets with a combined street value exceeding N6.2 billion at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The seizures, recorded in separate operations, also led to the arrest of a suspected cross-border drug kingpin and exposed increasingly sophisticated methods allegedly being employed by traffickers to smuggle dangerous substances into Nigeria.

NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed the development in a statement on Sunday, August 30, 2026.

Babafemi said operatives intercepted the Captagon consignment on August 22 following the arrest of 49-year-old Akinbile Kazeem Aikins, who arrived in Lagos from Accra, Ghana, aboard an African World Airlines flight.

He said a search of Aikins’ carton of local bathing soap, popularly known as ‘Ghana Soap’, led to the discovery of 47,200 Captagon pills concealed inside the blocks of soap.

According to Babafemi, the consignment had an estimated street value of more than N1.5 billion.

‘After his arrest, Akinbile claimed he was meant to deliver the consignment in the North,’ Babafemi said.

The interception is particularly significant because Captagon has previously been associated with armed groups and illicit drug networks in the Middle East. Nigeria recorded its first major interception of the substance in September 2021, when 451,807 tablets weighing 74.119 kilogrammes were seized at Apapa Port in Lagos.

In that operation, the drugs, valued at about N6 billion at the time, were concealed inside imported machinery. The NDLEA had said intelligence from international partners helped track the shipment from the Middle East before it reached Nigeria.

Babafemi said another major interception at the Lagos airport involved 3,900,030 tablets of Tramaking 225mg and Tapentadol 250mg, with a combined gross weight of 2,787.40 kilogrammes and a street value of more than N4.6 billion.

He stated that the drugs were recovered from four abandoned consignments at the MMIA import shed after no one appeared to claim them.

Three of the consignments contained 900,000 tablets of Tramaking weighing 815.40kg and arrived on RwandAir flights from Bangladesh, while the fourth contained 3,000,030 Tapentadol tablets weighing 1,972kg and arrived aboard Qatar Airways from Amsterdam.

Babafemi explained that the consignments were placed under surveillance after they were abandoned before NDLEA operatives, Customs officials and other stakeholders jointly examined and retrieved them on August 28.

The latest seizures add to growing concerns over the movement of large quantities of opioids through Nigeria’s international entry points. In May, the NDLEA reported the interception of 1,825,710 Tapentadol 250mg tablets worth about N2.19 billion at the Lagos airport.

Babafemi also disclosed that NDLEA operatives arrested a 31-year-old United States returnee, Sowunmi David Oludotun, in the Ikate area of Lekki on August 19.

He said Oludotun was arrested when he allegedly arrived to take delivery of 3.350 kilogrammes of ‘Loud’, a potent synthetic strain of cannabis imported from the United Kingdom.

In Rivers State, Babafemi said NDLEA operatives raided a notorious drug den in the Abuja Down/Up area of Port Harcourt, where they recovered a fireproof iron safe.

He stated that the safe was cracked open with a welding machine on August 25, revealing 237 grammes of Colorado, 316 grammes of cocaine and 10 grammes of heroin.

The agency also reported significant cannabis seizures in Ondo State.

Babafemi said three suspects-Oyedele Daniel, 42; Taye Saliu, 36; and Kehinde Saliu, 36, were arrested on August 28 along the Ipele-Idoani Road with 728kg of skunk allegedly being conveyed in a truck marked KRE 120 XB.

He added that two other suspects, Uche Joseph, 35, and Godwin Umeh, 21, were arrested at Aponmu Forest on August 26 with another 341kg of the same substance.

In Delta State, Babafemi said more than 176,000 pills of assorted opioids, including tramadol and Molly, were recovered during two separate operations between August 26 and 28.

Marwa orders sustained pressure

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), commended the officers involved in the operations and directed them to maintain pressure on drug traffickers.

Babafemi quoted Marwa as urging NDLEA personnel across the country to sustain the agency’s ‘balanced approach’ to drug control, combining enforcement with prevention and public awareness.

He said Marwa specifically directed officers to maintain the momentum against traffickers who continue to devise new methods of concealing illicit drugs, including the use of ordinary household products such as soap.

The Director-General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, has warned political actors against setting Nigeria on fire through their conducts and utterances ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The NILDS DG gave the warning while featuring on the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Personality Interview Series on Sunday in Abuja.

He urged ?????????politicians to rather engage in issue-based campaigns and matters that would foster an inclusive political culture to protect the nation’s democracy.

Sulaiman cautioned political actors against divisive rhetoric, vulgar statements and actions capable of threatening national unity or heightening tensions unnecessarily.

‘As electioneering activities gather momentum for the 2027 general elections, NILDS is finalising plans to convoke a political communication summit to address the issues of political communications, including utterances and campaigns.

‘Our appeal is that our campaign utterances should be issue-based. We should avoid vulgar statements. We should avoid statements that could set the country on fire.

‘Our appeal to our politicians is that we should not be under any illusion that everything is okay. We should protect this democracy through our conduct, through our political culture,’ he said.

Sulaiman also appealed to political parties and politicians not take Nigerians for granted; but promote inclusive politics for the marginalised groups, especially the women and the youth.

‘We should play politics of inclusivity. The youth must be involved; our women must be involved; people that are vulnerable must be involved.

‘Our politicians should guide their conduct, especially their actions and their utterances. Anything that would threaten the monolithic entity of this country must be avoided.

‘We should not push some actors to the wall for them to react. We should guide democracy jealously, and that’s my advice to politicians,’ he said.

Dr Ekiomado Eki-Udoko has received commendations from Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the management of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin, following her emergence as the first female neurosurgeon in Edo and Delta states and the former Midwest Region.

Eki-Udoko recently became a certified neurosurgeon after successfully completing her specialist training and obtaining certification from the West African College of Surgeons.

The governor received the medical specialist at the Government House in Benin City on Sunday, where he praised her accomplishment and pledged government support for her professional advancement.

Okpebholo described the achievement as evidence of the determination of Edo people to attain excellence and make an impact beyond the state.

He assured Eki-Udoko that his administration would support her career development while also working to improve specialised healthcare services in Edo.

‘The area of speciality which you have chosen is a very difficult one, and you must be a very focused person for you to achieve this height; we will support you to go further because we need more brains like you in Edo State to help us,’ the governor noted.

The National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin, also hailed the achievement, with its Medical Director, Dr Philip Ugbodaga, describing it as an important milestone for the institution and specialist medicine in the region.

In a congratulatory letter personally signed by Ugbodaga, the medical director said Eki-Udoko’s accomplishment was a source of pride to the hospital.

‘Your feat is unparalleled and unequalled in the rare and specialised field of neurosurgery. We celebrate your remarkable achievement and, more importantly, the fact that you achieved this feat as a staff of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin City.

‘We will do all that is required to enable you to deploy your skills and expertise in the management of neurosurgical cases in the hospital, serving patients from our catchment area and from other parts of Nigeria.’

Ugbodaga disclosed that Eki-Udoko was head-hunted and recruited during the hospital’s 2025 recruitment exercise as part of efforts to bring highly specialised medical professionals into its workforce.

According to him, her recruitment formed part of the hospital’s strategy to expand its capacity to provide advanced specialist services, particularly amid increasing demand for neurosurgical and trauma care in Edo, the South-South region and other parts of the country.

Eki-Udoko expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying her journey into neurosurgery was demanding and required perseverance.

She credited her husband for providing significant support throughout the difficult process and disclosed that she planned to undergo additional training in selected neurosurgical subspecialties.

‘I am the First female neurosurgeon in Edo/Delta; we are seven all over the country and five of us are in practice in Nigeria,’ she said.

The founder and President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Shina Philips, has expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for initiating the long-awaited reforms in the country’s football governing body.

In a press release in Abuja on Saturday, Philips threw his weight behind the president’s reforms, stating that the reforms would highlight the challenges facing Nigerian football and identify salient areas where presidential intervention was needed.

‘The reforms initiated by the President and the National Sports Commission will highlight the challenges facing our football and draw the much-needed intervention or support from the presidency,’ Philips stated.

Philips further noted that the reforms were a bold attempt to confront any perceived decline in our football and that it would leave our football revived, vibrant, and robust. He also stated that, because of the strategic importance of football in the international community and the large following it commands among Nigerians, the Government would certainly not neglect it.

‘Football has a large following in the country, and during football matches involving our national teams, Nigerians become united, abandoning their differences to celebrate the national teams,’ he noted.

While commending the National Sports Commission, Philips called on all parties involved to collaborate with FIFA, the football governing body, to ensure that the reforms align with its guidelines.

‘The Presidency, and the National Sports Commission should work closely with the interim management in the NFF and FIFA to ensure that the reforms align closely with FIFA rules and guidelines,’ Philips further said.

Philips expressed his support for the new interim management led by the experienced duo, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme and Dr Ademola Olajire, while also calling on all football stakeholders to support and participate in the reform process, stressing that the growth of Nigerian football was a collective responsibility.

‘I have known Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme and Dr. Ademola Olajire for decades, and I know they will steer the federation in the right direction. I call on all stakeholders to give them all the support that they need to rebuild our football,’ Philips noted.

A United States-based Nigerian, Oluwasegun Elusoji, has called for urgent executive intervention, legislative oversight, and institutional accountability over the alleged suspension of investigative activities on a petition submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) concerning alleged identity theft, fraud, and related offences.

The call centres on EFCC Petition No. EFCC/PET/HQR/1656/2025, which, according to documents made available, was submitted on April 28, 2025, and acknowledged at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja. The petition was submitted through W.K. Shittu and Co. and titled ‘Urgent request for investigation and legal action regarding identity theft and fraud.’

Elusoji, in an open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the National Assembly committees responsible for anti-corruption, questioned what he described as the apparent halt in the handling of the petition.

The petition reportedly concerns alleged fraudulent dealings, identity theft, and related criminal activities involving Adeseye Joseph Famojuro, Ayodele Sunday Adekanmbi, Funmilayo Tosin Oyawale, Bimbo Arike Dairo, Omotoke Adetola Ogunniyi, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, Oriyomi Olounwa Ladigbolu, Ayo Alatise, Ayobami Adebayo, and Olugbenga Joseph Damola Adebayo, also known as Frayo.

Elusoji said a formal reminder was subsequently submitted to the EFCC on June 17, 2025, and was also acknowledged.

According to his account, initial investigative activities continued for several weeks before allegedly being paused, with no explanation subsequently communicated regarding the status of the matter.

The US-based petitioner said the alleged suspension raises questions about the administrative handling of EFCC complaints and whether investigations involving individuals perceived to have political connections receive the same treatment as other cases.

He specifically questioned whether political proximity or influence could affect the progress of investigations, while stressing that such concerns should be addressed through transparency and institutional accountability rather than assumptions.

Elusoji also referred to media reports describing Adeseye Joseph Famojuro as a close associate of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, while acknowledging that claims of familial ties reported by some outlets have not been confirmed by an official government record.

He maintained that, irrespective of personal or political associations, allegations should be subjected to appropriate investigation and due process.

Elusoji urged President Tinubu to ensure that federal anti-corruption institutions operate independently and without political interference.

He also called on the Attorney-General of the Federation to review the administrative handling of the petition and ensure compliance with relevant legal and institutional obligations.

For the EFCC Chairman, Elusoji demanded a written status update on Petition No. EFCC/PET/HQR/1656/2025, an explanation for the alleged suspension of investigative activity, and, where appropriate, the resumption of the investigation.

He further urged the National Assembly’s anti-corruption committees to exercise their oversight powers by examining the handling of petitions, particularly where allegations involve persons perceived to be politically exposed.

‘Nigerians Deserve Transparency’

According to Elusoji, the issue goes beyond the individuals named in the petition and touches on the credibility of Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions.

He argued that when citizens submit complaints to law-enforcement agencies, they should be able to expect transparent handling regardless of the identity, status, or connections of persons named in those complaints.

He therefore called for transparency, accountability, institutional integrity, and immediate action, insisting that Nigeria’s justice and anti-corruption systems must operate without fear or favour.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast a mix of sunshine, cloudiness, thunderstorms and rainfall across different parts of the country from Monday to Wednesday.

In its three-day weather outlook issued in Abuja on Sunday, the agency said parts of the North would experience sunny conditions with pockets of cloud on Monday, while thunderstorms and moderate rainfall were expected in several states.

Morning thunderstorms and moderate rains are likely in parts of Taraba, Adamawa and Kaduna. By afternoon or evening, similar conditions are expected in parts of Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Adamawa and Taraba.

The North Central region is also expected to experience wet conditions. NiMet forecast morning thunderstorms with moderate rainfall over parts of Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory.

Later in the day, thunderstorms and moderate rains are expected in parts of Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Niger and Nasarawa, as well as the FCT.

In the South, moderate rainfall is expected in the morning over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Lagos and Bayelsa. The agency expects rainfall to spread across the region later in the day.

The weather pattern is expected to continue on Tuesday, although the areas affected will vary.

NiMet forecast morning thunderstorms with moderate rainfall over parts of Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa and Taraba. In the afternoon or evening, parts of Borno, Jigawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Taraba and Adamawa are expected to record thunderstorms and moderate rains.

‘For the North Central region, thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains are expected over parts of Niger, Kwara States and the Federal Capital Territory in the morning hours.

‘Later during the afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated across the region,’ it stated.

Southern states are expected to experience light rainfall in the morning across parts of Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Lagos and Rivers. NiMet said thunderstorms and moderate rainfall would affect the entire region later in the day.

For Wednesday, the agency predicted partly cloudy skies across the North, with morning thunderstorms and light rains possible in parts of Bauchi, Jigawa and Yobe. More widespread thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall are expected across the region later in the day.

The North Central region is expected to have sunny weather with patches of cloud during the morning, followed by thunderstorms and moderate rainfall later.

‘Thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over the entire region later in the day.

‘For the southern region, a cloudy atmosphere is expected over the region, with prospects of light rains over parts of Edo, Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Rivers States during the morning hours,’ it said.

NiMet said thunderstorms with moderate rainfall were expected across the entire southern region later on Wednesday.

The agency advised residents to take precautions, particularly in areas where thunderstorms are expected, noting that strong winds could occur before rainfall.

It urged people to secure loose objects to prevent them from being blown away or causing injuries.

NiMet also warned that persistent rainfall in coastal areas of the South could result in flash flooding.

‘Drivers should avoid driving or wading through flood waters. Driving under heavy rain should be avoided.

‘Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets. Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees,’ it advised.

Airline operators were advised to obtain airport-specific weather information from NiMet to assist them in planning their operations.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of removing some of its nominated candidates for the 2027 elections and replacing them with persons allegedly unknown to the party.

NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, raised the allegation on Sunday following INEC’s publication of candidates for the 2027 State Houses of Assembly elections.

Cleopas alleged that the discrepancies were particularly pronounced in Anambra State, home state of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and accused the electoral commission of attempting to undermine the party ahead of the polls.

He claimed that persons who were neither authorised nor submitted by the NDC appeared on INEC’s list as candidates for several constituencies.

The chairman called on the INEC Chairman to immediately investigate how the disputed names found their way onto the commission’s list.

He also urged the electoral body to extend the investigation to Benue and Imo states, where he said the party had identified a similar pattern.

According to Cleopas, the development had embarrassed the NDC, its leadership and candidates, while creating disaffection among supporters in Nigeria and the diaspora.

‘We, as a party, are also carrying out our own independent investigation, the preliminary findings of which are already pointing to the complicity of INEC officials in foisting names purporting to be our candidates, but who are not from us,’ he alleged.

Cleopas claimed the disputed process was being used to intimidate and embarrass the opposition party.

The NDC identified the disputed names published for Anambra constituencies as Umennaajiego Jude Ezenwa for Onitsha South 1; Akpotue Obinna Chibuike for Onitsha South 2; Nwankwo Chiemerie for Orumba North; Maduagwu Eric K for Anaocha 1; Ngoebisi Obinna for Idemili North; Isintume Charles for Njikoka 1; Nwachukwu Nonso for Nnewi South; Okeke Ifeanyi Akunne for Nnewi South 2; Nnonyelu Samson E for Ayamelum; and Azotani Chuks Francis for Dunukofia.

Cleopas said the party was particularly concerned about how the names were uploaded and subsequently published by INEC.

He explained that after the conclusion of the NDC primaries and appeal process, stakeholders from Anambra, the party leadership, representatives of Obi and the appeals panel agreed on a final list of candidates.

According to him, the list was signed by the relevant stakeholders before being uploaded to the INEC portal using the code provided to the party by the commission.

Cleopas alleged that INEC officials subsequently left nine of the submitted names on ‘Pending’ status, claiming the affected names already existed in the commission’s system based on submissions from officials who monitored the party’s primaries.

He said the NDC formally challenged the disputed entries and submitted the names of those it considered its legitimately nominated candidates, but alleged that INEC refused to replace them.

Cleopas further accused the commission of subsequently collecting Form EC-9 directly from the disputed candidates and uploading the forms without going through the party.

‘To further confirm that there was a predetermined effort on the part of INEC to impose the said nine candidates on the party, and embarrass both NDC and Mr. Peter Obi, INEC went behind the NDC to collect the Form EC-9 directly from the candidates, bypassing the party, and uploading same,’ he alleged.

The NDC chairman argued that if there was a discrepancy between the names submitted by the party and information obtained by INEC officials who monitored the primaries, the commission should have left the affected positions vacant until the disagreement was resolved.

‘At the very worst, INEC could have left us with no candidates for those positions, if they knew they were unwilling to engage us in addressing any perceived anomaly,’ he said.

Cleopas accused INEC of creating a situation in which opposition parties could be prevented from uploading their preferred candidates while other names were introduced into their lists.

He vowed that the NDC would challenge the development in court and seek the restoration of candidates it considers authentic.

‘We are moving to approach the court of competent jurisdiction to seek redress and restore our authentic candidates. The general public and our millions of supporters should note that these are not our candidates,’ he said.

Two Nigerian men have been extradited to the United States to face federal charges over alleged financially motivated sextortion schemes targeting American minors, including cases linked to the deaths of teenagers.

The suspects, Mudashiru Afeez Olawale, 24, and Adebola Festus Adekunle, 26, were extradited from Nigeria on August 27, 2026, following a joint investigation involving the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other Nigerian authorities.

The development marks the latest escalation in the FBI’s international crackdown on financially motivated sextortion networks allegedly operating from Nigeria and targeting vulnerable young people in the United States.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Adekunle was extradited to Mississippi, where he appeared before a federal court in Oxford on August 28. He faces a three-count indictment arising from the alleged sextortion of a Mississippi minor whose death followed the alleged scheme.

Prosecutors allege that Adekunle committed sexual exploitation of a minor resulting in death, produced child sexual abuse material, coerced and enticed a minor, and issued interstate threats with the intention of extorting the victim.

If convicted of the charge involving sexual exploitation resulting in death, Adekunle faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison, according to U.S. prosecutors.

Olawale, meanwhile, was taken to North Carolina, where he appeared in federal court in Greensboro on August 28.

He had been indicted in August 2023 over allegations involving the financially motivated sextortion of two victims and the death of a North Carolina teenager.

The charges against Olawale include sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of minors, coercion and enticement, distribution of child pornography and interstate threatening communications.

The EFCC said its investigations, conducted in collaboration with the FBI, identified both men in separate sextortion cases involving male minors, particularly teenagers aged between 13 and 17.

The commission said the alleged schemes involved the use of child sexual abuse material to blackmail victims and demand money through channels including money-transfer services, gift cards and cryptocurrency.

The FBI linked the suspects’ alleged activities to two separate cases involving American minors who died by suicide after experiencing online sexual exploitation and extortion.

In one of the cases, the EFCC said a 13-year-old boy was contacted through Instagram by an individual who allegedly proposed an exchange of nude photographs.

The person allegedly obtained the photographs and subsequently threatened to distribute them to the boy’s Instagram contacts unless he paid money.

According to the EFCC, the communication reportedly continued even after the teenager indicated that he intended to take his own life.

The investigation subsequently generated intelligence that enabled U.S. authorities to identify individuals allegedly connected to the scheme, leading the FBI to seek assistance from Nigerian authorities.

Olawale’s extradition also followed a lengthy legal process in Nigeria. The EFCC initiated proceedings at the Federal High Court in Lagos after receiving the U.S. request, but the court rejected the extradition application in June 2024.

The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation appealed the decision, and on July 7, 2026, the Court of Appeal in Lagos overturned the Federal High Court ruling, clearing the way for Olawale’s transfer to the United States.

The two men were initially arrested in Nigeria in August 2023 as part of a wider FBI-led operation targeting alleged sextortionists preying on minors in the United States. Their eventual extradition came after about three years of legal and investigative proceedings.

FBI Director Kash Patel described the men as ‘high-value targets’ and said their return to the United States demonstrated that international borders would not shield suspects from prosecution for alleged crimes committed online.

The U.S. Justice Department said the cases form part of Operation Artemis, an FBI initiative focused on financially motivated sextortion rings operating from Nigeria. The agency said such networks have been linked to dozens of American teen deaths by suicide.

The U.S. authorities also acknowledged the cooperation of Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, the Federal Ministry of Justice and the EFCC in securing the extraditions.

The EFCC said the development underscored the growing partnership between Nigerian and American law enforcement agencies in combating transnational and internet-enabled crimes, particularly offences involving the sexual exploitation of children.