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  • Okpebholo orders grassroots Mobilisation for Tinubu’s re-election

    Okpebholo orders grassroots Mobilisation for Tinubu’s re-election

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has inaugurated the Edo State chapter of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) with a task to intensify grassroots mobilisation for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

    Governor Okpebholo ordered members of the RHA to erect 320 billboards across the 18 local government areas.

    Okpebholo said his administration would leave no stone unturned to ensure victory for President Tinubu.

    He asked the Ambassadors to liaise with local government Chairmen and take the message of the Renewed Hope to the people.

    According to him, “No government can beat Asiwaju’s record in this country. The man has proved himself. We are ready for the election.

    “The APC has 30 Governors. Even if we go to sleep, Asiwaju will win. This is a man who was frustrated, and he overcame all obstacles. Is it now that we have petrol and we have money that he will not win?

    Read Also: Okpebholo redeploys Chief of Staff

    “You must have more than 20 billboards in each local government area. Take the message of renewed hope to the grassroots. Let everyone know about Renewed Hope. We will not leave any stone unturned. We will deliver on our promises.”

    Edo State Coordinator of RHA said it was a call to duty and entrusted with a strategic responsibility to serve as bridges between the government, party leadership, and grassroots.

    He said the successes of the project at the local level depended largely on their commitment, discipline, and dedication.

    “As Renewed Hope Ambassadors, you are expected to work closely with the leadership of our great party to evangelise, explain, and defend the policies, programmes, and achievements of President Tinubu’s administration.

    “You must promote harmony, inclusiveness, and effective coordination across all levels of the party within your respective Senatorial District and LGAs.

    “Your task also includes mobilising, engaging, and sensitising the people, working hand in hand with our party leaders who are themselves Ambassadors of Hope to ensure that the message of Renewed Hope resonates in every community.”

  • Joint security team neutralises kidnap suspect, rescues victim in Enugu

    Joint security team neutralises kidnap suspect, rescues victim in Enugu

    Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, in a joint operation with the Nigerian Army, Forest Guards, Neighbourhood Watch Group, and local vigilantes, have neutralised a kidnapping suspect and rescued an abducted victim in Udenu Local Government Area of the state.

    The operation followed a distress report received in the early hours of Wednesday, January 29, 2026, that a male victim had been kidnapped by armed men in the Ezimo-Uno community.

    Acting swiftly on the report, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, ordered the immediate mobilisation of security operatives to track the kidnappers and rescue the victim.

    The coordinated operation led the joint team to the Agu-Shere and Okpakereke forest areas, where the suspects were reportedly hiding.

    According to the police, the kidnappers opened fire on the operatives on sight, prompting a gun duel during which one of the suspects was neutralised, while others escaped into the forest areas bordering Benue State with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

    The kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt.

    Read Also: AGN honours Junior Pope with Nollywood City project in Enugu

    Items recovered from the scene include one AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition, an extra magazine, two daggers, military camouflage uniforms, mobile phones, assorted food items, cooking utensils, and a freshly slaughtered chicken.

    Police authorities said a manhunt has been launched to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

    CP Giwa reassured residents of Enugu State of the unwavering commitment of the police and other security agencies to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

    He urged members of the public, especially health and medical service providers, to promptly report anyone sighted with gunshot injuries to the nearest police station or security formation.

    He also called on residents to continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance public safety.

  • Delta CP Adesola strengthens community policing with statewide familiarisation tour

    Delta CP Adesola strengthens community policing with statewide familiarisation tour

    The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Aina Adesola, has stepped up his familiarisation tour across the state to enhance operational coordination and deepen community partnerships in policing.

    On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, CP Adesola visited the Ogwashi-Uku Area Command, engaging officers, men, and key stakeholders to reinforce collaboration and improve service delivery. 

    The tour continued on Thursday, January 29, 2026, with a similar engagement at the Agbor Area Command, where he reiterated the Command’s commitment to proactive, people-centred policing.

    A statement by the Delta State Police Command spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, noted that the Commissioner also paid courtesy visits to prominent traditional rulers in the Agbor axis, including His Royal Majesty Dr. Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi I, Dein of Agbor; His Royal Majesty Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II, Obi of Owa Kingdom; and the Obi of Umunede.

    During the interaction, the Dein of Agbor described the Nigeria Police Force as the “lifeboat of the nation,” emphasising the importance of unity, mutual respect, and shared responsibility in maintaining security. 

    He also highlighted concerns regarding police welfare, equipment shortages, and the rising menace of drug abuse in Agbor, which he identified as a major security challenge.

    The monarch urged sustained collaboration between the Police and the community, while cautioning the public against provoking officers lawfully performing their duties.

    Read Also: Ex-Niger Delta agitator urges Tinubu to intervene in rivers political crisis

    In his remarks, the Obi of Owa Kingdom emphasised that security is a shared responsibility, noting that unity among residents remains key to tackling drug-related crimes and other security challenges within the community.

    In his response, the Commissioner of Police stated that his policing philosophy is anchored on working closely with the people, noting that members of the community possess critical knowledge of the terrain and social structure of their localities, which is indispensable for effective policing, crime prevention, and sustainable security outcomes.

    He reaffirmed the Delta State Command’s unwavering commitment to inclusive, proactive, and community-oriented policing, while calling on residents to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information.

  • Delta govt cracks down on Asaba waterfront encroachment, threatens mass demolition

    Delta govt cracks down on Asaba waterfront encroachment, threatens mass demolition

    The Delta state government has issued a stern warning to developers and the public to stay off the Asaba Waterfront City project site, vowing to demolish all illegal structures within the area.

    The Special Project Director, Hon. Barr. Victor Ebonka gave the warning during an inspection tour of the site in Asaba, alongside officials of the Ministry of Lands and Surveys.

    He stressed that the government will not tolerate any form of encroachment on the flagship project.

    Ebonka explained that the entire expanse of land designated for the Asaba Waterfront City had been duly acquired by the state government, fully gazetted, and that all rightful landowners had been adequately compensated before the acquisition.

    He stressed that the land is government-owned and therefore highly encumbered.

    He expressed concern that some individuals had fallen victim to fraud perpetrated by land speculators and other unscrupulous elements who exploited the ongoing development in the area to deceive unsuspecting buyers.

    According to him, prospective land buyers must always verify the status of any land by consulting the Ministry of Lands and Surveys, the Town Planning Office, and other relevant authorities before making any purchase, particularly in high-profile development zones such as the Asaba Waterfront City.

    “That is why we are here today to mark illegal structures and fences for demolition. Occupants are not entitled to statutory notices because this is fully gazetted government land,” he said.

    Ebonka advised affected persons to immediately seek refunds from those who sold the land to them illegally and to remove any structures or encumbrances they had placed on the site.

    “Government will not hesitate to act. All illegal structures will be demolished, and those responsible will bear the full cost of the demolition,” he warned.

    He added that it was in the best interest of those involved to salvage what they could, noting that bulldozers would soon move in to clear all illegal developments on the land.

    The Special Project Director disclosed that the ongoing excavation works were preparatory activities for proper land reclamation.

    He identified North China Construction Company and Falklands Nigeria Limited as the two major developers currently operating in the area.

    “North China Construction Company controls a little over 300 hectares and is developing the Waterfront City, while Falklands holds the larger portion, which will be developed as Niger City. These are two major cities that will emerge here in the near future,” he said.

    Expressing confidence in the technical capacity and readiness of the developers, Ebonka said substantial portions of the land would be reclaimed within the next two to three months.

    “In the coming weeks, there will be visible and extensive reclamation works. This marks the second phase of the project. The first phase involved the construction of access roads, payment of compensation, and securing all statutory approvals,” he explained.

    He stated that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, had fully met its obligations under the project, having secured all approvals and released the necessary funds in good time.

    “The responsibility now lies with the developers to carry out their obligations, including land reclamation, construction of the bond wall, provision of access roads, and delivery of other world-class infrastructure as stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding,” he added.

    Barr. Ebonka described the Asaba Waterfront City as a fully integrated, self-sustaining, state-of-the-art city, comprising residential zones, an ICT hub, an economic and commercial hub, as well as hospitality and leisure facilities.

    On the project timeline, Ebonka expressed optimism that, based on the current pace of work, the Asaba Waterfront City would be substantially delivered within the next three years.

  • Sunday Igboho lauds Tinubu, southwest governors, Yoruba Obas over freedom

    Sunday Igboho lauds Tinubu, southwest governors, Yoruba Obas over freedom

    • …set to collaborate with government in tackling insecurity

    Yoruba nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has praised President Bola Tinubu, South West governors, and traditional rulers in Yorubaland following his recent return to Nigeria after nearly five years in exile.

    Igboho had been in exile after the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari declared him wanted over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition. He returned to the country last Monday, receiving widespread attention.

    On July 1, 2021, a joint operation by the Department of State Security (DSS) and military personnel attempted to arrest him at his Ibadan residence in Oyo State. The raid resulted in the deaths of two of his aides and the arrest of 13 others.

    In a statement, Igboho expressed particular gratitude to President Tinubu for granting him a pardon, describing it as a key step in his return to Nigeria.

    He said, “I deeply appreciate the mercy and maganimity of our revered President Bola Tinubu, who graciously granted me freedom to return to Nigeria after intervention by stakeholders in the traditional institution.”

    Read Also: UPDATED: Sunday Igboho arrives Nigeria, appreciates Tinubu, Oba Ladoja, others

    “While I would not take this opportunity and freedom for granted, I am ready to collaborate with the Federal Government in tackling the ravaging insecurity and support measures aimed at enhancing peace and socioeconomic growth in the country, especially in the South West.

    “It is also very germane to appreciate all the South West State governors, namely Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), for their critical support and enviable roles.

    “While commending the South West governors, I want to single out Governor Seyi Makinde for his giant strides in the steady development of Oyo State. The visible impacts of his administration in virtually all the sectors and enviable infrastructural growth of this state have greatly turned around the aesthetics of Oyo to the envy of all.

    “Similarly, I want to congratulate him on the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Oyo State, which showcased noble roles played by statesmen and past leaders, whose significant contributions laid a stronger pedestal for the healthy developments being witnessed today.

    “But my gratitude over the current freedom which I savour would be ineffectual without recognising the timely intervention of all Yoruba monarchs.

    “Special recognition goes to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, and other monarchs too numerous to mention.

    “Besides, the love and support from all Yoruba indigenes are too massive, and I will continue to cherish everyone while also recommitting myself to the peace, unity, growth, and protection of the collective interest of our ethnic nationality.”

  • Police arrest seven suspected bandits, recover firearms in Kaduna

    Police arrest seven suspected bandits, recover firearms in Kaduna

    The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested seven suspected bandits and recovered assorted firearms and live ammunition in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.

    The Command said the arrests followed credible intelligence received on January 28 at about 5:45 pm, indicating that a group of suspects had prohibited firearms.

    Acting on the information, detectives from the anti–car theft section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) swung into action and arrested five suspects identified as Yusuf Aliyu Yusuf, Ahmed Umar, Abdullahi Muhammad, Ahmad Jazuli, and Muktar Bashir.

    Items recovered from the suspects include one English AK-47 rifle with two fully loaded magazines, two English Beretta pistols with a loaded magazine, and one fabricated Beretta pistol containing seven rounds of live ammunition.

    The police said the suspects are currently in custody while investigations are ongoing to uncover other criminal networks linked to them.

    In a related development, the Command said that on January 29, 2025, operatives of the Zaria City Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, carried out a stop-and-search operation based on intelligence about the movement of armed bandits.

    The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, Adamu Lawal and Abdulhadi Lawal, both from Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, who were found in possession of a fabricated firearm and are assisting police investigations.

    The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the officers for their professionalism and reaffirmed the Command’s zero tolerance for banditry and criminality, warning that Kaduna State would remain hostile to criminals and their collaborators.

  • Turaki-led PDP NWC insists it remains party’s legitimate leadership after court ruling

    Turaki-led PDP NWC insists it remains party’s legitimate leadership after court ruling

    The Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has maintained that it remains the party’s only lawful leadership despite a recent judgment by the Federal High Court in Ibadan.

    In a statement, the party said it has briefed its legal team on the ruling and will await the outcome of proceedings at the appellate court, urging members to remain steadfast in efforts to reposition and rebuild the PDP.

    A Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday nullified the PDP national convention held on November 15 and 16 in the state capital, restraining the leadership elected at the convention from presenting themselves as the party’s national executives.

    Earlier, a Federal High Court in Abuja had declined to grant an order nullifying the same elections and adjourned the case to allow for the determination of an appeal already filed on the matter.

    Read Also: PDP’s Gbenga Hashim slams ethnic rhetoric, warns against north–south divide

    The statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, reads, “We are aware of the judgment of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, delivered this morning, which essentially declined to grant the order of mandamus sought on the ground that doing so would, in the courts view, amount to sitting on appeal over judgments of courts of coordinate jurisdiction.

    “We have accordingly briefed our lawyers to immediately file an appeal and to take all further legal steps necessary to advance our arguments and firmly protect our position on this matter.

    “Notwithstanding this judgment, the Kabiru Turaki–led Peoples Democratic Party, which emerged from the Ibadan Convention, remains legally intact and unshaken, as we await the authoritative pronouncement of the appellate courts.

    “We therefore urge our members to remain resolute and committed as there is absolutely no cause for alarm. The rebirth movement remains firmly on course.”

  • What to know about UK’s new dual citizenship passport rules 2026

    What to know about UK’s new dual citizenship passport rules 2026

    The United Kingdom is set to enforce new passport and entry rules for dual citizens beginning in 2026, a move that will affect millions of British nationals living abroad.

    The changes are tied to the rollout of the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system and will significantly alter how British and Irish dual nationals enter the country.

    Here are the key things travellers need to know ahead of the new policy:

    1. The rules take effect on February 25, 2026

    From this date, new entry requirements for British and Irish dual citizens will be fully enforced by the UK Home Office.

    2. Dual citizens must use a British or Irish passport to enter the UK

    British and Irish dual nationals will no longer be allowed to enter the UK using only a foreign passport.

    3. Foreign passports will require a Certificate of Entitlement

    Dual nationals travelling on a non-UK passport must carry a paid Certificate of Entitlement confirming their right of abode.

    4. The changes are linked to the UK’s ETA system

    The policy is part of the broader Electronic Travel Authorisation rollout, similar to the US ESTA programme.

    5. The ETA costs £16 and is valid for two years

    The digital permit applies to visa-free travellers entering the UK for short stays.

    6. Dual citizens are not eligible for an ETA

    UK government guidance states that British and Irish dual nationals cannot apply for an ETA.

    Read Also: Seven Asian countries offering Nigerians e-visa

    7. This creates a conflict for dual nationals using foreign passports

    Because they cannot obtain an ETA, dual citizens must instead prove British or Irish nationality at entry.

    8. The policy affects citizens of many visa-free countries

    This includes nationals of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the EU, and Schengen states.

    9. Visitors from these countries can stay up to six months

    ETA holders may visit the UK for tourism, business, or short-term work.

    10. Current entry rules remain valid until the 2026 deadline

    Dual nationals may continue entering the UK on foreign passports without an ETA until February 25, 2026.

    11. Those already in the UK before the deadline are unaffected

    Travellers who enter before the enforcement date can stay beyond it without applying for an ETA.

    12. Problems arise for dual nationals without a British passport

    Individuals who do not hold proof of British citizenship risk being denied boarding or refused entry.

    13. Overseas-born Britons may need to register their citizenship

    Those born abroad to British parents who have never held a UK passport must register and obtain one before travelling.

    14. The Certificate of Entitlement is costly

    The document costs £589 and must be renewed each time the passport it is linked to expires.

    15. Dual citizenship status remains unchanged

    The UK government has confirmed that the rules do not affect the legal right of dual nationals to live and work in the UK, as they apply only to entry and passport requirements.

  • Why I wasn’t surprised by my mother’s death – Omije Ojumi’s son

    Why I wasn’t surprised by my mother’s death – Omije Ojumi’s son

    Bobby Williams Adeoye, son of late gospel singer Omije Ojumi, has revealed that he wasn’t entirely surprised by his mother’s passing, recalling she often spoke about death while alive.

    He paid an emotional tribute to his mother during her service of songs, describing his mother as a loving, caring, and strong woman who dedicated her life to his success.

    In his tribute, he recalled Omije Ojumi’s cheerful nature and jokes that made their home a happy place, stating that her humour is one of the things he misses the most since her passing.

    “My mother was a very loving, beautiful, and caring person to me, actually. So she was very, very strong. She will do anything to see me come first in anything, or even in class. Anytime I come back from school, she always wants to know what happened. So, that is the loving part about mommy. She’s the best mother in the world to me.

    “When I heard she was dead, I was not that surprised because she had always been saying it. She has always been saying it. She cracked jokes to make everyone lively, and that’s the main reason why I also miss Mommy. I know you’re dead right now, but you will always be alive in my heart and in my dreams. I love you mommy. May your soul rest in peace.”

    Omije Ojumi, whose real name is Bunmi Akinaanu Adeoye, passed away on January 12, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of gospel music, sacrifices, and dedication as a mother.

  • Harrysong responds to ex-wife’s custody claims, reaffirms commitment to children

    Harrysong responds to ex-wife’s custody claims, reaffirms commitment to children

    Singer Harrysong has reacted to his ex-wife, Alexer Peres, following her emotional announcement about relinquishing custody of their two children.

    Alexer had earlier alleged harassment and interference in an Instagram post, claiming the singer is rarely present and leaves the children in the care of domestic staff.

    In response, Harrysong denied restricting her access to the children, describing himself as an involved and responsible father who actively provides for their needs.

    He said he has chosen to avoid prolonged public exchanges to protect the children’s image and future career prospects, adding that he is hurt by the narrative being circulated.

    The singer stressed that his primary focus remains the well-being, safety, and overall development of their children.

    He wrote, “I’ve chosen restraint to protect the mother of my children and, most importantly, our kids because what’s said online lives forever. I previously made the mistake of speaking from emotion and learnt the hard way.

    Read Also: Harrysong’s ex-wife gives up custody of children temporarily

    I never said she couldn’t have access to them.

    “They’ve been in my custody is a decision made for reasons u can’t put out on the internet. I’ve remained active, present father and have continued to provide for our children, even while they were in her care. The current narrative online is deeply hurtful and risks damaging the very image and career that supports our children. Is it worth it?

    “I won’t engage in public back-and-forth that could one day harm them. My focus remains their well-being”.