7th Synod: Prof Ogunye, Jumlar, Others Awarded as Fellows of Diocese

Diocese of Ijebu-North Church of Nigeria, Anglican communion, on Thursday, honoured Chief(Mrs) Ibiilola Aduke Banjo Solaja, popularly known as Jumlar, with Fellow of the Diocese Award at the 7th Synod of the Diocese.

The award ceremony took place at the Cathedral of St.Mathew, Ojowo Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun-State.

Other Awardees include Prof. Francis Ayodele Ogunye (Dsc FAEng), Chief Engr.Adebayo Dayo, Secretary to Ogun State Govt, Chief Tokunbo Talabi, Dr.Akinwumi Adesina CON.

Also awarded were Engr.Oludayo Oluyemi, Very Rev. Ademola Adedayo(RTD), Prince Dr.Feyisayo Soyewo MFR, Evangelist (Chief) Mrs.Tejumade Olabisi Rowaiye.

The dignitaries who graced the occasion are, the Secretary of Ijebu-Igbo Council of Elders, Otunba Remi Ogunbanjo and Kegbo of Atikori, Oba Ibitoye Solaja.

Tragedy Strikes Ijebu Igbo as Mother and Son, Man Found Dead In Home

Tragedy strikes the Egbe Subair area of Ijebu Igbo following the shocking discovery of a Mother, her boyfriend and son found dead inside their residence on Wednesday morning.

Information gathered from the scene, revealed that the man, popularly called shanko and the woman were reportedly found dead inside the toilet, while her son was discovered lifeless in a room within the house.

According to preliminary reports circulating within the community, the family may have been poisoned.

Although authorities have not officially confirmed the cause of death, there may have been a struggle before their deaths, due to the level damaged items found at the scene.

The tragic incident has caused widespread heartbreak and attention in the area, with concerned residents gathering around as the news spread all over town.

Police officers and other security personnel were seen at the scene on Wednesday morning, carrying out investigations and gathering evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

As of the time of filing this report, officials have yet to release a formal statement regarding the cause of the incident or the identities of the deceased.

2027 Candidate nomination portal access codes to be released June 26, says INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that access codes that will allow political parties to begin uploading candidates’ details for the 2027 general elections through its nomination portal will be released June 26, 2026.

The Commission’s Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, made the announcement in Abuja on Tuesday, during a quarterly meeting with leaders of registered political parties.

According to him, the step follows the completion of party primaries on May 30, 2026, adding that the access codes will be issued to authorised national officers of each political party, who will be responsible for uploading nominees’ biodata and other required information into the system.

Amupitan cautioned that the process must be taken seriously. He therefore urged parties to ensure their ICT personnel are fully prepared ahead of the exercise, as deadlines would be strictly followed.

Protesters storm National Assembly over level of Insecurity

Nigerians staged a protest in Abuja, calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to take urgent steps to address the worsening insecurity across the country.

The protesters, operating under the banner ‘Nigerians Unite Against Terror’, on Tuesday, marched peacefully from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to the National Assembly, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs as they demanded stronger action against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.

The convener of the protest, Isah Abubakar, while addressing journalists at the National Assembly complex, stated that bandits do not care about party or faith.

He emphasized that the government’s first duty is to protect its people, but lasting security will require everyone’s involvement.

Abubakar, therefore, called on service chiefs and lawmakers to act with urgency and sincerity, and urged citizens to join with the government in restoring peace and security across the country.

Witness Says Emefiele’s Case Suspects Confessed to Fraud

The 14th prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, on Tuesday told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory that some suspects confessed to the fraudulent withdrawal of $6.23m from the apex bank.

Emefiele is standing trial before Justice Hamza Muazu at the Maitama Division of the court on an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of $6,230,000.

The money was said to be meant for international election observers during the 2023 general election.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had accused the former CBN governor of conferring corrupt advantages on two firms, April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

El-Rufai pleads not guilty to amended wiretapping charges

The Department of State Services on Thursday, arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count amended charge bordering on alleged unlawful interception of communications and breach of national security.

El-Rufai, who appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

At the resumed proceedings, DSS counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), informed the court that the matter was fixed for the defendant to take his plea, adding that a further amended five-count charge was filed on April 13.

He urged the court to substitute the earlier three-count charge with the amended one.

Counsel to the defendant, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed he had been served with the amended charge and indicated that he was not opposing the substitution.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to May 18, 19, and 20 for hearing.

Senate begins screening of Tinubu’s ministerial nominee

The Senate on Thursday commenced the screening of President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominee for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Darma, marking the latest step in the administration’s efforts to strengthen its cabinet.

The minister-designate was ushered into the chamber at exactly 12:32 pm, where he appeared before lawmakers in plenary for the constitutionally mandated exercise.

As of press time, senators had begun questioning the nominee on his qualifications, policy direction, and readiness to manage the critical housing portfolio.

The screening follows a formal request transmitted to the upper chamber by the President on Wednesday, seeking Darma’s confirmation as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who read the communication from Tinubu during plenary, subsequently referred it to the Committee of the Whole for consideration, directing that the panel report back as soon as practicable.

Cross River dismisses report of new COVID-19 cases

The Cross River Government has dismissed reports alleging 10 new COVID-19 symptomatic cases, describing the claim as misleading and inaccurate, while reaffirming that only one confirmed case exists in the state.

The rebuttal followed publications claiming the state had identified additional persons showing COVID-19 symptoms, raising concerns among residents about a possible resurgence of infections across communities.

Dr Henry Ayuk, the Commissioner for Health, earlier confirmed a COVID-19 case involving a Chinese national working in the state, who was currently receiving treatment and responding well.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Calabar, Ayuk clarified that as of April 23, 2026, Cross River had only one confirmed COVID-19 case and no new confirmed or suspected cases recorded.

He explained that the 10 individuals referenced in the report were contacts traced from the single confirmed case, noting that contact tracing remained a standard public health response to contain potential spread.

According to him, the individuals are not symptomatic and do not meet the criteria for suspected cases, adding that they are currently under home isolation and monitored daily by health officials.

Ayuk emphasised that the isolation measure was purely precautionary and should not be interpreted as evidence of new infections, reiterating that the state had not recorded any additional COVID-19 cases.

Tinubu ministers gripped by fear after cabinet sackings

President Bola Tinubu’s ministers appear gripped by fear following the recent sacking of some of their colleagues.

Recall that the President relieved the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, of their positions on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, complaints had earlier emerged in some quarters that some cabinet members add no value to the administration.

It was also alleged that some political appointees lack the pedigree to translate President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda into reality across their ministries, departments, and agencies.

A minister, who visited the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, jokingly told journalists that there is an earthquake going on and everyone is in panic mode now.”

Environmental Officials Visit Ogun School Over Suspected Chemical Leak

The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, alongside the general manager of the State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Kehinde Bello, on Tuesday visited Our Lady of Apostle Primary School in Ijebu-Ode following a suspected chemical leak in the area.

Last week Wednesday, a strange chemical smell was perceived in the school premises, shortly after the assembly session making it difficult for many students and staff to breathe.

This resulted to the admission of 30 students and two teachers at the State General Hospital, Ijebu Ode.

Reacting to the incident, Governor Dapo Abiodun ordered the immediate closure and full investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Tuesday’s visit was part of the state government response to assess the situation and ensure the safety of students, staff, and residents within the affected environment.

During the inspection, Kehinde Bello also visited a neighbouring school, Sacred Heart Catholic College, to evaluate the impact of the incident and reassure the school authorities of the government’s swift intervention.