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The Edo State Police Command has demoted one serving officer and dismissed five others after uncovering an alleged criminal syndicate involving police personnel and civilian collaborators accused of abducting and extorting members of the public in Benin City.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the crackdown followed multiple complaints of harassment, unlawful arrest, abduction and extortion by individuals posing as police officers along the Temboga axis off Aduwawa in Benin City.

According to her, investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly intercepted unsuspecting residents, forced them into commercial buses under the guise of police operations, drove them around the city and compelled them to withdraw money through Point-of-Sale (POS) operators before regaining their freedom.

She said operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID), acting on credible intelligence, tracked and arrested members of the syndicate on April 13, 2026.

Ikoedem disclosed that the syndicate comprised serving police officers, dismissed personnel, commercial bus drivers and civilian collaborators.

She added that more than 11 victims have positively identified members of the syndicate, while investigations are continuing as additional victims come forward.

Following internal disciplinary proceedings, Inspector Ehubariemen Wisdom (AP/No. 324688) of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Benin, was demoted to the rank of Sergeant.

Five other officers-Corporal Mordi Philip, Corporal Destiny Emmanuel, Corporal Uwatse Emmanuel, Corporal Okon Elvis and Corporal Samuel David Obeten-were dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force over their alleged involvement.

Ikoedem said the disciplinary measures were in line with the policy of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, that ‘the era of impunity is over.’

She also warned POS operators and members of the public against aiding criminal activities, stressing that anyone found collaborating in extortion or laundering proceeds of crime would face prosecution.

The police spokesperson commended victims who reported the incidents and urged others with relevant information to come forward to strengthen the ongoing prosecution.

‘Let this serve as a clear warning to every police officer across the country. The Nigeria Police Force will no longer tolerate any abuse of office, corruption, extortion, or criminality within its ranks. Any officer who betrays the public trust will be identified, investigated, dismissed where appropriate, and prosecuted,’ she said.

She reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and the rule of law, adding that officers who uphold the ethics of the profession would be recognised and rewarded, while those involved in criminal conduct would have no place in the organisation.

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), has disbursed ?75,000 business grants to 3,000 market men and women in the Ogun Central Senatorial District as part of efforts to strengthen small businesses and stimulate grassroots economic growth.

The empowerment programme, organised in partnership with the National Productivity Centre under the Renewed Hope Agenda, is designed to improve traders’ access to capital and boost economic activities across Ogun State’s three senatorial districts. The exercise began in Ogun Central, with beneficiaries receiving the grants free of charge and without any repayment obligation.

The intervention, which marked the fifth edition of the YAYI Market Women and Men Support Fund Empowerment Programme, was held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the Ake Pavilion, Ake Palace, Abeokuta.

Addressing beneficiaries, Senator Adeola said the initiative was aimed at strengthening the businesses of market women and men while cushioning the effects of prevailing economic challenges.

Describing traders as the backbone of the local economy, he urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the grants to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

‘Our market women and men remain the backbone of our local economy, and supporting their businesses is critical to promoting sustainable economic growth. This grant is not a loan but a direct intervention to help beneficiaries strengthen their businesses, increase their capital and improve their livelihoods. My appeal is that every beneficiary should invest the funds wisely so they can grow their businesses and create greater prosperity for their families,’ he said.

Beyond direct financial support, Adeola said his interventions have also focused on improving market infrastructure through the construction of modern markets, installation of solar-powered boreholes and provision of solar streetlights across the state.

He noted that the empowerment programme has expanded steadily since its inception, beginning with 5,000 traders receiving ?25,000 each in 2023, followed by 5,000 beneficiaries receiving ?50,000 grants in 2024, and another 5,000 traders receiving ?75,000 each in 2025. The current edition extends the programme to beneficiaries across the state’s three senatorial districts.

The senator also disclosed that two ultra-modern markets are under construction at Isaga-Orile in Abeokuta North Local Government Area and Panseke in Abeokuta South Local Government Area to improve trading infrastructure and stimulate commercial activities in Ogun Central.

According to him, he has facilitated the construction of 43 modern markets, alongside the installation of solar-powered boreholes and streetlights in major markets across Ogun West over the past three and a half years, with the aim of creating a more conducive environment for businesses and supporting economic development.

Candidates of political parties contesting in the August 15, 2026 Osun governorship election on Thursday in Osogbo signed a peace pact to ensure that Osun experiences a peaceful, free and fair poll as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, asked troublemakers to stay away.

The peace accord meeting was organised by the Hassan Kuka led peace advocating organisation in conjunction with INEC to ensure a peaceful election in Osun.

The political parties participating in the election and their candidates at the important meeting pledged to maintain peace conduct and signed the peace agreement.

At the event, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, declared that since the Biometric verification via the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) remains the sole statutory mechanism for accreditation, there would be no manual accreditation.

Regarding the security incidents in Okuku (Odo-Otin LGA) and Ife Central involving the theft of uncollected PVCs, Amupitan reassured the public that stolen PVCs are functionally inert.

‘Without live biometric verification on the BVAS, a stolen card cannot accredit anyone. Serial numbers of all stolen cards may be blacklisted, law enforcement is closing in on the perpetrators, and affected voters are being issued replacement cards or authorised digital verification PVC download,’ the Chairman said.

He also informed that a total of 4,427 BVAS devices-including a 15% operational reserve (664 backup units) managed by RACTECH teams-have been customized for Osun State and that all polling unit result sheets (Form EC8A) would be scanned and uploaded directly to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) as soon as voting closes.

He said that the Commission was deeply concerned by several reports of violence and threats. ‘We recognise that insecurity is a direct assault on the sanctity of the ballot, and it is a menace we are determined to overcome. As Chairman, it weighs heavily on me that the environment for this election must be one of peace, not intimidation. Let me be clear: we will not allow the democratic will of the people to be subverted by fear or force.

‘Consequently, INEC has recalibrated its security strategy, moving from reactive monitoring to proactive prevention. To combat this menace, we have activated a robust security synergy through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

‘We are not just monitoring threats; we are proactively deploying intelligence-led security measures to every polling unit and collation center. We are working closely with the Police and the Armed Forces to ensure that our staff, our materials, and most importantly, every single voter, are shielded from harm. We will meet any attempt to disrupt this election with the full, unyielding weight of the law,’ Amupitan vowed.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says 3,867,997 Nigerians successfully completed the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by the end of Phase III, Week Eleven, which ended on July 26, 2026.

The commission said more than 10.18 million people have completed the registration process across the three phases of the exercise.

Phase I recorded 2,572,054 registrations, while Phase II added 3,748,704. When combined with the 3,867,997 registered in Phase III, the total stands at 10,188,755.

Nigeria currently has more than 93 million registered voters. INEC said it will carry out a de-duplication process on the over 10 million new registrations to remove duplicate entries before updating the National Register of Voters.

According to figures released by the commission, 2,697,863 people completed their registration at physical centres, while 1,170,134 registered online after meeting the required conditions.

This means nearly 70 per cent of the registrations were completed through physical registration centres, making them the preferred option for most Nigerians.

A breakdown by states shows that Kano State recorded the highest number of completed registrations with 330,906, representing 8.55 per cent of the national total. Lagos followed with 181,254, while Delta recorded 166,895.

Other states with high registration figures include Edo (156,150), Ebonyi (146,507), Sokoto (145,160), Taraba (141,649), Ogun (136,921), Bauchi (128,753), Jigawa (125,155) and Oyo (125,144).

At the lower end, Ekiti State recorded 2,276 completed registrations, Ondo had 23,824, Plateau recorded 41,993, while the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had 56,285.

INEC explained that Osun State recorded no registrations during the period because the Continuous Voter Registration exercise was suspended ahead of the state’s governorship election, in line with Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022.

The commission said the figures cover both online and physical registrations nationwide as it continues efforts to expand voter participation ahead of future elections.

Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, a distinguished elder statesman and Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance, has passed away. His death was announced officially by his family on Thursday.

The former minister served as the Minister of Finance from 1990 to 1991 under the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.

He was also the Minister of State for Budget and Planning in 1988, and later served as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

The late elder statesman was known for being a thoroughbred administrator. His career spanned several high-profile positions across the public civil service.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned four suspects before Justice F. N. Ogazi of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, for allegedly helping to launder a total sum of $5,296,691.

Dele Oyewale EFCC Head of Media and Publicity said in a statement on Thursday that the defendants identified as Bamidele Ayodele Emmanuel, Abdullah Oriyomi, Garuba Fathiat Funmilayo and Gbenro Victor Ademola were arraigned separately on a two-count charge each bordering on money laundering, contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Count One against Bamidele Ayodele Emmanuel reads: ‘That you, BAMIDELE AYODELE EMMANUEL, between 1 and 31st January, 2025, in Lagos and within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, directly retained the sum of $826,691 (Eight Hundred and Twenty-Six Thousand, Six Hundred and Ninety-One United States Dollars) in your account, No. 0126008755 domiciled in Wema Bank, which you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.’

They all pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to them.

Following their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel, Bilkisu Buhari, reviewed the facts of the cases before the court. She informed the court that investigations revealed that the defendants admitted surrendering their personal information to one Afeez Animashaun, who approached them at Mushin Market, Lagos, where they conducted their respective businesses.

Buhari further disclosed that investigations established that the defendants’ identities were used to incorporate these companies; College Compass Eduguide Nigeria Limited, Hortifresh Solutions Nigeria Limited, Eduboost Innovation Nigeria Limited, Fixit Hardware and Tools Nigeria Limited, and also open corporate bank accounts through which millions of dollars were received within January 2025.

According to the prosecution, the defendants’ actions provided anonymity for the actual operators of the company and facilitated the movement of suspicious funds through the Nigerian financial system.

She thereafter urged the court to convict the defendants as charged and impose appropriate sentences.

Justice Ogazi remanded the defendants in a Correctional facility and adjourned the matter till Tuesday, August 4, 2026, for judgment.

Trouble has emerged in Peter Obi’s political camp ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with a senior coalition official confirming a leadership crisis within the OK Movement.

Ladipo Johnson, spokesman for Rabiu Kwankwaso, admitted that the disagreement had become a distraction and revealed that Obi was unhappy about the development.

Johnson, however, insisted that the crisis would not derail preparations for the 2027 general election or weaken the movement promoting the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso ticket.

‘Yes, we have, well, may I call it a distraction at the moment,’ Johnson said during an interview with ARISE News on Wednesday.

He disclosed that the dispute arose from disagreements between some members of the OK Movement and its leadership.

Johnson warned that unilateral decisions by some members could create bad blood and undermine the support structure being built for Obi’s presidential ambition.

‘It is not such, in my own humble opinion, that would lead you to take unilateral actions that could possibly scuttle or bring bad blood within the support base of the person you purportedly want to become the president of the country,’ he said.

Johnson also confirmed that Obi had been briefed about the crisis and was displeased with the situation.

‘I saw the presidential candidate last night along with the DG. He’s not happy about the whole situation,’ he said.

He expressed confidence that the disagreement would be resolved before the official commencement of political campaigns.

‘Any minor issues will be sorted out. We’re still strong and we’re focused, especially on both the presidential and vice-presidential candidates,’ Johnson said.

He maintained that the movement remained united behind the Obi-Kwankwaso project despite the leadership dispute.

‘We’re still united in that purpose,’ he added.

Johnson said there was no evidence that external political forces were responsible for the crisis, although unresolved disagreements could expose the movement to interference by its opponents.

‘At the moment, I won’t say that I have seen an external influence per se,’ he said.

He urged the different support groups promoting the proposed ticket to work together and avoid actions capable of damaging the opposition coalition.

‘You can have as many support groups as possible. It’s all good so long as they’re all working in the same direction,’ Johnson stated.

The Ogun State Police Command has launched a coordinated rescue operation following the abduction of at least five students during an attack by suspected gunmen on a private hostel serving students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade (GAPOSA) in Ipara-Remo, Ogun State.

The attack occurred at about 8 p.m. on Wednesday when the armed men stormed a private hostel along Paraga Road, Ipara, a community adjoining the institution, firing gunshots and whisking away several occupants after an operation that reportedly lasted about 30 minutes.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, said the command immediately activated a joint security response after receiving a distress call.

According to him, tactical police teams, intelligence assets and other security agencies have been deployed to the area to secure the victims’ release and arrest those responsible.

‘The Ogun State Police Command is aware of the abduction incident at a private hostel in the Ipara area on the night of Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

‘Immediately the distress report was received, the Police and other security agencies activated a coordinated operational response, deploying tactical teams and intelligence assets to the area. Rescue operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible,’ Babaseyi said.

The police spokesman appealed to parents, students and residents to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation capable of undermining the ongoing operation.

He urged members of the public to report suspicious persons or activities through the Gateway Shield toll-free line (0800 000 9111) or the command’s emergency numbers.

Although the police said investigations were ongoing to verify the exact number of victims, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the institution confirmed that five students were abducted during the attack.

In a statement jointly signed by SUG President Akinpelu Bukunmi Timothy, General Secretary Salau Boluwaduro Saidat, and Public Relations Officer Matthew Francis Sonayon, the union described the attacked hostel as being in a remote area surrounded by thick bush, making it vulnerable to criminal attacks.

The union said the assailants struck at about 7:45 p.m., firing several gunshots during the invasion. While some students escaped through the hostel’s POP ceiling, others were unable to flee before the attackers whisked them away.

It added that no life was lost during the incident and confirmed that the matter had been reported to the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies.

The student leaders also urged students, parents and members of the public to disregard false and exaggerated reports circulating on social media, insisting that misinformation would only create unnecessary panic within the academic community.

Following the attack, the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic suspended all examinations scheduled for Thursday.

In a notice to students, the institution announced the cancellation of Thursday’s examinations while retaining Friday’s examinations as scheduled, subject to further review.

‘Following the unfortunate incident that occurred yesterday, today’s examination has been cancelled. However, tomorrow’s examination remains scheduled as planned. If there is any change regarding tomorrow’s examination, an official announcement will be communicated promptly,’ the notice stated.

A 19-year-old Kano woman, Saudat Jibrin has been sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of her 30-year-old husband, Salisu Idris, nine days after their wedding

Jibrin, who lives in Kumbosto Local Government Area of Kano, was charged with culpable homicide.

Delivering judgment, Justice Maryam Sabo of Kano High Court held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

‘I hereby sentence Saudat Jibrin to death by hanging for culpable homicide. You have 90 days to appeal,’ the judge ruled.

Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Lamido Abba-Sorondinki told the court that Jibrin committed the offence on May 5, 2025, at Farawa Quarters in Kano.

He said that at about 9p.m Jibrin laced her husband’s ‘Zoho’ drink and slashed his throat with a knife nine days after their wedding.

Abba-Sorondinki presented two witnesses to prove its case against the defendant.

The convict denied committing the offence.

The prosecutor said the offence contravenes the provision of Section 221(a) of the Penal Code.

The Defence Counsel, Mr Abdulfatah Muhammad, presented the convict to testify in her own defence, Muhammad pleaded for leniency on behalf of his client, saying she had become a changed person while in custody, having memorised the Holy Qur’an.

He also urged the court to consider that the convict was the oldest child of her parents and that her siblings depend on her for their survival.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday revealed details of the process that led to the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by bandits in Oriire local government area of Oyo State, affirming that government refused to yield to ransom demands of the abductors.

President Tinubu made the revelation while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to him, the terrorists had requested for ransom and release of their members in custody of the security operatives to free the abductees.

However, Tinubu reiterated that his administration’s refused to negotiate with criminal groups or accede to their demands.

He said instead, the security operatives piled pressure on the terrorists because they know their location.

‘We refuse to negotiate for ransom. These criminals wanted us to release from detention members of their criminal gangs that were already arrested.

‘That was one of their conditions outside the money they were looking for, and we said no deal. We are not going to negotiate with criminals,’ he said.

According to him, many of the criminals had committed murder and other serious crimes and must face justice.

The President insisted that that Nigeria will intensify intelligence-driven operations to defeat terrorism, banditry and other security threats.

He also commended the armed forces for their role in recent rescue operations and acknowledged the support of traditional rulers in strengthening security efforts.

‘I agree with you that we should commend the men and women of the armed forces for their excellent performance.

‘On behalf of them, I accept your message, and I will forward the same message to them.’

Tinubu said recent security challenges had prompted a review of the country’s security architecture and operational strategies.

‘That event (Oyo school abduction) teaches us new methods, opens our eyes and challenges us to examine and re-examine our security architecture, strategy, map and operations,’ he said.

The President said the Federal Government approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions to improve response time and strengthen operational effectiveness.

‘From eight divisions, we are now moving to 12 divisions to shorten the response time and give that response the teeth that is needed for us to defeat terrorism and banditry.’

The President said insecurity in neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic had compounded Nigeria’s security challenges.

Tinubu said that the Federal Government was strengthening forest guards and pursuing the establishment of state police with safeguards against abuse.

‘There will be state police, and that state police will have guardrails against abuses. We will protect it from abuses, and you traditional rulers too will have a role to play more.’

He assured that forest guards would be equipped and empowered to confront criminal elements operating in forests nationwide.

‘They are not just to chase antelopes and animals. We are going to have them chase the criminals and deal with them in various forests.’

The President emphasised the importance of intelligence gathering and urged traditional rulers to encourage vigilance among their subjects.

‘The mention of intelligence is very important, and I want you to take it to our people to be extra vigilant, know their neighbourhoods, know their areas and report strange people.’

Tinubu also urged governors to deploy increased federal allocations to infrastructure and security-enhancing projects.

He assured the delegation that security conditions were improving and pledged to continue investing in security agencies.

‘The security challenge is getting better. We are getting a hang of it much better. Any time you come across some of our soldiers and police officers, please pat them on the back and say thank you. They are doing a good job,’ Tinubu said.

Earlier, Ladoja commended Tinubu for his handling of the recent abduction incident in Oyo State, particularly the decision not to pay ransom.

‘The fact that you did not pay ransom, the fact that you stood your ground shows that we now have a government that knows what is to be done. We cannot thank you enough for that feat,’ he said.

The traditional ruler also urged the Federal Government to sustain security presence in forest reserves and continue ongoing infrastructure projects across Oyo State.