Category: News

The Enugu State Government has warned against an alleged plan by some market leaders to shut down major markets within the state capital on Saturday to show support during a rally backing reelection of Governor Peter Mbah and President Bola Tinubu.

The government stated that such a move contradicts the Mbah Administration’s determined effort to boost investment, business and productivity in the state, and therefore does not have the government’s blessing.

The government made its position known in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo, on Friday.

It said that people should feel free to go about their businesses, a predisposition it said prompted the decision of Mbah Administration to end illegal Monday sit-at-home effective June 5, 2023.

The statement equally maintained that political association remains an individual right and choice, saying participation in the Saturday rally and subsequent rallies by any group should never truncate businesses or involve any form of compulsion.

“The attention of the Enugu State Government has been drawn to an alleged plan to shut markets in the state capital as a demonstration of solidarity with the Enugu East zonal rally to drum up support for His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, ahead of the 2027 general election.

“While the government appreciates the enormous demonstration of goodwill by traders across the state, it frowns, however, at any attempt by any market leader to shut down major markets in the Enugu East Senatorial District on account of the planned rally.

“This is not only contrary to the administration’s vision and drive to grow Enugu State’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, and also to position the state as the preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and living, but also the decision of the administration to ban illegal sit-at-home effective June 5, 2023.

“Furthermore, the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of association and assembly. Thus, nothing should be seen to detract from these rights in this or future rallies by any group whatsoever.

“For emphasis, political participation should be voluntary and without any attempt to deny the people access to markets or other public spaces where they earn their daily living.

“Therefore, members of the public, particularly leaderships of various markets in the state should take note, please, as government will not hesitate to impose sanctions on any action to the contrary,” the statement read.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained how Lere Olayinka, the spokesperson to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, obtained and subsequently published screenshots containing the voter registration details of Nollywood actor, Emeka Ike.

…Gov. Aiyedatiwa commends judgment

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday sentenced four men to death by hanging for their roles in the 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, which left over 40 worshippers dead and about 141 others injured.

The convicts are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, 25; Al Qasim Idris, 20; Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26; and Abdulhaleem Idris, 25.

Justice Emeka Nwite convicted the four men on nine terrorism-related charges, including membership of a proscribed terrorist group, conspiracy, terrorism financing, hostage-taking, possession and use of dangerous weapons, and the detonation of explosives that resulted in deaths, injuries and destruction.

The judge, however, discharged and acquitted the fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, 47, after ruling that the prosecution failed to establish the case against him beyond reasonable doubt.

Delivering judgment after about nine months of trial, Justice Nwite held that the prosecution had successfully proved its case against the four convicts.

“The prosecution has successfully established the nine-count charge against the first, second, third and fourth defendants beyond reasonable doubt,” the judge ruled.

The court sentenced the four men to life imprisonment on one count, 20 years imprisonment without an option of fine on two counts, and death by hanging on five counts.

Justice Nwite ordered that the convicts be “hanged by the neck until death,” adding, “May the Lord have mercy on your souls.”

The court found that the convicts belonged to a terrorist group identified as Al-Shabaab, allegedly operating in parts of Kogi and Ondo states under the coordination of a leader known as Adoba.

“From the foregoing, it is clear as day that the first, second, third and fourth defendants belong to a proscribed terrorist group, Al-Shabaab,” the judge said.

According to the court, the prosecution established that planning meetings for the attack were held on May 30, June 1 and June 4, 2022, at Government Secondary School, Ogaminana, Kogi State, and at a mosque where the father of one of the defendants served as chief imam.

The judge held that the evidence of prosecution witnesses, corroborated by the defendants’ confessional statements, remained unshaken during cross-examination.

The attack occurred on June 5, 2022, during a Pentecost Sunday Mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, when gunmen opened fire and detonated explosives within and around the church premises.

At least 41 worshippers were killed, while more than 140 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

During the trial, the prosecution presented 11 witnesses, including survivors, church members, security personnel, forensic experts and investigators.

One witness identified two of the defendants as among the attackers, while another victim testified from a wheelchair, recounting how she lost both legs and one eye in the explosion.

A digital forensic expert from the Department of State Services told the court that investigators used phone tracking, geospatial analysis and cell tower triangulation to trace and arrest the suspects.

The defendants denied involvement in the attack and alleged that their confessional statements were obtained under torture.

The court, however, ruled that the statements were voluntarily made and were admissible as evidence.

Justice Nwite also cited forensic evidence and communication records linking the defendants to the planning and execution of the attack.

Following the judgment, lead prosecuting counsel, Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), said justice had been served for the victims and their families.

The defence counsel, Abdullahi Mohammed, maintained that the convicts were innocent and said the legal team would study the judgment before deciding on further action.

The four convicts also insisted they were wrongly convicted.

Ondo Gov commends judiciary over death sentence for Owo church attack suspects

Meanwhile, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has commended the judiciary and security agencies for securing the conviction and death sentence of four suspects involved in the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo.

The Governor described the verdict as a victory for justice, the rule of law, and for victims of the deadly assault that claimed lives and left several worshippers injured.

He praised the efforts of prosecutors, investigators, and the judiciary, saying the judgment sends a strong message that acts of terror will be met with full legal consequences regardless of how long it takes.

Aiyedatiwa also appreciated the resilience of the people of Owo and the Catholic community, noting their commitment to peace despite the trauma of the attack.

He assured residents that his administration will continue working with security agencies to strengthen intelligence and improve public safety to prevent a recurrence of such tragedy, while praying for the repose of the victims and comfort for their  families.

There was a twist yesterday to Saturday’s abduction of one-time military spokesman Maj.-Gen Rabe Abubakar and his wife.

Abductors of the General demanded the release of their men in security custody as condition for the release of their victims.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN), has called for deeper collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments to drive innovation-led growth, saying science, technology and innovation remain central to Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.

Speaking at the Plateau State Science, Technology and Innovation Festival (PLASSTIFEST) 2026 in Jos, Udeh said achieving the objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda would require sustained investments in research, innovation, technology development and commercialisation across all tiers of government.

The minister said the Federal Government’s innovation strategy is anchored on the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2022, which seeks to transform Nigeria from a resource-dependent economy into a knowledge-driven one powered by entrepreneurship, digital transformation and technological advancement.

According to him, research must move beyond academic institutions and laboratories to deliver practical economic value.

“Nigeria must move beyond the era where valuable research outcomes remain confined to laboratories and academic journals without creating tangible economic impact,” he said.

To bridge that gap, Udeh highlighted the Energize Commercialization Now (ECoN) Initiative, the Federal Government’s flagship programme designed to move innovations from laboratories to the marketplace.

He explained that the initiative identifies commercially viable innovations, links innovators with investors and industry players, strengthens intellectual property management and supports incubation and scale-up opportunities.

The minister also disclosed that the ministry is advancing plans to establish the National Research and Innovation Development Fund (NRIDF), a financing framework intended to provide sustainable support for research, innovation, prototyping and commercialisation.

He said countries that have successfully built innovation-driven economies achieved such growth through dedicated funding mechanisms and strong institutional support for research and development.

Turning to the role of states, Udeh urged subnational governments to establish Innovation Councils, Research Commercialisation Offices, Innovation Funds and Technology Transfer Platforms to attract investment and stimulate local innovation ecosystems.

He identified Plateau State as one of the states with significant potential to deploy science and technology in agriculture, mining, renewable energy and digital transformation.

The minister also advocated stronger partnerships among government institutions, universities, researchers, industry players and development partners to accelerate innovation-driven job creation and economic growth.

He commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for hosting PLASSTIFEST 2026, describing the event as evidence of Plateau State’s commitment to innovation-led development.

Udeh reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology’s readiness to work with state governments to deepen research commercialisation and strengthen innovation ecosystems nationwide.

He urged stakeholders to convert discussions from the festival into concrete projects and investments capable of positioning Nigeria as a leading knowledge-based economy driven by science, technology and innovation.

President Bola Tinubu will on June 12 address a joint session of the National Assembly and deliver a presidential broadcast as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day anniversary, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, announced on Tuesday.

Nigeria’s security forces have recorded fresh successes in the fight against terrorism and violent crime, with a joint Nigeria-United States intelligence-led operation eliminating 21 ISWAP fighters in Borno State, while troops of the Nigerian Army rescued 23 kidnapped passengers in Kogi State.

Security sources said the anti-terror operation, coordinated by the Nigerian Air Force and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), targeted ISWAP fighters gathered in Arege, a strategic community in northern Borno State.

The strike reportedly killed 21 terrorists, including three mid-level commanders believed to have coordinated attacks in Monguno, Damasak and surrounding communities.

A member of the Minister of Defence Media Team, retired Colonel Timothy Antigha, said the operation was based on actionable intelligence generated through joint surveillance efforts.

According to him, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets detected unusual terrorist activity in Arege, a key logistics corridor linking Nigeria, Niger and Chad.

“The intelligence gathered was fused with US AFRICOM satellite imagery and signals intelligence. Once a cluster of 21 armed terrorists was confirmed in a concealed staging area, a joint strike was authorized,” Antigha said.

He added that all identified terrorists were neutralised without civilian casualties, describing the operation as evidence of growing operational cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in counterterrorism efforts.

Antigha noted that Arege serves as a major transit route for fuel, food, weapons and ammunition used by terrorist groups operating across the Lake Chad region.

Meanwhile, troops of the Nigerian Army rescued 23 passengers abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Ayegunle-Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

According to the Army Headquarters, the operation followed a distress call received at about 3:30 a.m. on Monday reporting that armed men had barricaded the highway and abducted travellers.

Troops deployed in the area immediately launched a pursuit operation after the attackers fled before security forces arrived.

During the operation, soldiers recovered two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned along the road.

The Army disclosed that two persons were killed during the attack, while five others sustained injuries and were evacuated to St. Joseph Hospital, Kabba, for treatment.

It said sustained pressure mounted on the kidnappers forced them to abandon 23 captives, who were subsequently rescued unharmed.

“Troops have continued to dominate the general area and are conducting intensive search-and-rescue operations aimed at locating and safely recovering any remaining victims still in captivity,” the Army stated.

The rescue comes amid intensified military operations across Kogi State under Operation Tiger Paw II, as security agencies continue efforts to combat kidnapping, terrorism and other criminal activities across the country.

Military authorities reiterated their commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist and criminal groups, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies.

The Enugu State Government, through the Ministry of Transport, has launched the 042 Ride Taxi Youth Empowerment Scheme aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs with access to modern CNG-powered taxis and financing opportunities.

According to information released by the ministry, the programme is being implemented in partnership with Umuchinemere Procredit Microfinance Bank (UPMFB).

The initiative is designed to provide youths in the state with an opportunity to own and operate brand-new MG5 CNG taxis under a structured financing arrangement.

The government said the scheme would enable beneficiaries to build sustainable transport businesses while contributing to the state’s growing transportation network.

Under the programme, successful applicants will enjoy access to new MG5 CNG taxis, flexible financing with affordable repayment plans, insurance and maintenance support, as well as opportunities for business ownership and sustainable income generation.

The state government also noted that participants would become part of a trusted and regulated transport network operating within Enugu State.

Eligibility requirements for the scheme include being a resident of Enugu State, possessing a valid Class D or Class E driver’s licence, demonstrating good character, and showing willingness to build a transport business.

Applicants are also expected to meet other basic requirements outlined under the scheme.

To participate, interested persons are required to complete an Expression of Interest form at any branch of Umuchinemere Procredit Microfinance Bank.

The application process also requires the submission of guarantors’ forms and other relevant documentation.

According to the organisers, applications will undergo due diligence and pre-qualification assessments by the microfinance bank before qualified candidates are selected and contacted.

Successful applicants will subsequently receive their vehicles and commence operations.

The organisers described the MG5 CNG taxi as a cleaner and more cost-effective transportation option capable of reducing fuel costs, increasing earnings, and supporting environmental sustainability.

Interested applicants have been advised to obtain application forms from the head office of Umuchinemere Procredit Microfinance Bank located at No. 5 Cidjap Street, Ziks Avenue, Enugu.

The Nkanu West Local Government Area has congratulated Governor Peter Mbah on the third anniversary of his administration, describing his leadership as transformative and development-driven.

In a statement issued on behalf of the government and people of the council area, the local government praised Mbah for reforms and infrastructure projects carried out across Enugu State within three years in office.

The council said the administration had introduced “accelerated development, visionary governance and economic rebirth” in the state.

It highlighted projects including the Smart Green Schools initiative, healthcare infrastructure, road construction, transport terminals, CNG bus deployment, improved security architecture, and industrial investments such as the tractor assembly plant and Haier electronics production factory.

According to the statement, the governor’s policies have positioned Enugu State for sustainable economic growth and broader development.

“The visible transformation witnessed within just three years is a clear testament that Enugu State is truly in the hands of a focused, competent and visionary leader,” the statement read.

The council also commended Mbah’s administrative style and commitment to inclusive governance across communities in the state.

Nkanu West further reaffirmed its support and loyalty to the governor’s administration and expressed backing for the continuation of his leadership beyond 2027.

“We wholeheartedly reaffirm our unalloyed loyalty, steadfast support and total solidarity with your administration,” the statement added.

The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, on the third anniversary of their administrations.

In separate congratulatory messages issued on May 29, 2026, the minister commended both leaders for what he described as visionary leadership, institutional reforms, and commitment to sustainable development.

Speaking on President Tinubu’s administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Udeh said the president assumed office at a critical period marked by socio-economic challenges, structural constraints, and heightened public expectations.

According to him, Tinubu demonstrated “resolve, strategic clarity, and an unwavering commitment to stabilising the Nigerian state and restoring confidence in public governance.”

The minister noted that the administration has pursued macroeconomic recalibration, institutional strengthening, infrastructure renewal, and policy reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria on the path of sustainable growth and fiscal discipline.

“These interventions reflect a governance posture anchored on difficult but necessary choices in pursuit of national interest and the consolidation of the Renewed Hope vision for a more resilient and prosperous Nigeria,” he stated.

He further commended the president’s efforts in promoting national cohesion, security responsiveness, and rebuilding public trust in governance.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, I extend my sincere felicitations to Your Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of your third year in office,” the minister added.

Udeh also celebrated Governor Peter Mbah for what he described as transformative leadership and strategic governance in Enugu State over the past three years.

“It is with great pride and admiration that I join the people of Enugu State and lovers of purposeful leadership across Nigeria in commemorating the third anniversary of the administration of His Excellency, Barr. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah,” he stated.

The minister said Governor Mbah’s administration had introduced reforms in infrastructure, education, transportation, public sector efficiency, and economic revitalisation.

According to him, the governor’s “visionary leadership has profoundly transformed the developmental landscape” of Enugu State.

He added that Mbah’s developmental policies and governance style had restored public confidence and repositioned Enugu as “an emerging national model for innovation-driven governance and sustainable development.”

“Indeed, there is a Renewed Hope in Enugu State because Tomorrow is Here,” the minister stated.

Udeh prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and good health for both leaders as they continue their respective ad ministrations.

The Screening and Selection Committees of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have reacted to reports alleging that some aspirants are being prevented from participating in the ongoing party primaries across the country.

In a press statement issued on May 28, 2026, and signed by Osa Director Esq., National Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the party stated that all aspirants who successfully completed the screening process had been duly cleared and were therefore eligible to participate in the primaries.

The party stressed that any action by any state chapter or party official aimed at preventing a duly cleared aspirant from participating in the exercise would be considered “null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.”

“No aspirant should be denied the opportunity to participate in the primaries in any part of the country,” the statement read.

The NDC described itself as a progressive and people-oriented political party committed to accountability, transparency, fairness, and inclusivity.

“It is therefore unacceptable for any arm of the party’s administrative structure to act contrary to these core values and guiding principles,” the statement added.

The party consequently directed members and officials at all levels to ensure that the primaries are conducted peacefully, transparently, and strictly in accordance with the constitution, guidelines, and regulations of the party.

According to the statement, the primaries for the presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly elections will hold nationwide on May 29, 2026.

The party also clarified that, aside from the State Assembly primaries, which would hold within the respective constituency areas, all other primaries would take place at the local government level as earlier communicated.

The full statement reads:

The attention of the Screening and Selection Committees of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has been drawn to reports that some aspirants are allegedly being prevented from participating in the ongoing party primaries across the country.

We wish to state categorically that all aspirants who successfully completed the screening process have been duly cleared and are therefore eligible to participate in the primaries. Consequently, any action by any state chapter or party official aimed at preventing a duly cleared aspirant from participating in the exercise is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.

No aspirant should be denied the opportunity to participate in the primaries in any part of the country.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress remains a progressive and people-oriented political party firmly committed to the principles of accountability, transparency, fairness, and inclusivity. It is therefore unacceptable for any arm of the party’s administrative structure to act contrary to these core values and guiding principles.

Accordingly, party members and officials at all levels are directed to ensure that the primaries are conducted peacefully, transparently, and strictly in accordance with the constitution, guidelines, and regulations of the party.

The primaries for the presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly elections will hold nationwide on May 29, 2026.

Aspirants are further advised to note that, aside from the State Assembly primaries, which will hold within the respective constituency areas, all other primaries shall take place at the local government level as earlier communicated by the party.

Signed:

Osa Director Esq.
National Publicity Secretary
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)
May 28, 2026.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Nigerians to intensify prayers for the country ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying the nation needs leaders with integrity, vision and fear of God to overcome its current challenges.