By Aishat Momoh. O.

Fresh cracks have emerged within the All Progressives Congress in Kogi State following strong remarks by Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, who accused Governor Usman Ododo and former governor Yahaya Bello of attempting to deny Kogi East quality representation.

Echocho, who represents Kogi East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, expressed frustration over what he described as growing political hostility despite his loyalty to the state leadership and the ruling party.

“I have been very supportive of your administration. I have been loyal to you, (Usman Ododo), and Yahaya Bello. Why do you want to deny Kogi East the best representation ever?” the senator said.

The lawmaker also dismissed speculations linking him with governorship ambitions, insisting he had repeatedly stated he was not interested in contesting for the governorship position.

“I have told everybody who cares to listen that I don’t want to contest for governor,” he added.

However, Echocho warned that recent developments suggested an emerging political confrontation within the party.

“Since you’re now out to fight me, that battle line has been drawn,” he declared.

The comments are expected to intensify political tension within the Kogi APC ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially amid ongoing alignments and power struggles within the party.

Neither Governor Ododo nor former governor Yahaya Bello had officially responded to the senator’s allegations as of the time of filing this report.

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The post VIDEO: TENSION IN KOGI APC AS ECHOCHO ACCUSES ODODO, YAHAYA BELLO OF POLITICAL BETRAYAL appeared first on Hotjist.

By Aishat Momoh. O.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress senatorial primary for Ogun East Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The result was announced by the returning officer for the district, Wale Bello, at Itoro Hall in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area after the exercise, which was conducted across the nine local government areas in the senatorial zone.

According to the returning officer, Abiodun secured 75,560 votes out of 99,503 registered voters to clinch the ticket in the ruling party’s primary election.

The governor, in his acceptance speech, attributed his victory to divine grace and the support of APC members and loyalists across the district.

He thanked party supporters for their confidence in him and pledged not to betray the trust placed in him by the electorate.

The primary forms part of the APC’s nationwide preparations for the 2027 general elections.

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

No fewer than four Nigerians have been arrested in India over alleged fraud and impersonation-related offences, according to reports from the Times of India cited on Monday.

Three of the suspects, identified as Chinedu, Sunday, and Jules, were arrested by police in Gurugram over alleged social media fraud involving the impersonation of women to defraud victims.

The fourth suspect, a 49-year-old identified as Uchenwa, was arrested separately by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force on Friday in connection with a wider cyber fraud syndicate.

According to police reports, officers recovered 19 mobile phones, a laptop, and 18 SIM cards (both Indian and international) from the first three suspects during the operation in Noida.

Investigations reportedly began after a complainant filed a case on April 25 last year, alleging he was defrauded by a woman he met on Instagram.

Police said the victim was deceived into paying Rs 69,900 after being told the supposed woman had arrived in India and needed money for registration fees to exchange a cheque at Mumbai airport.

“The girl told him that she had arrived in India and she needed Rs 69,900 as registration fees to exchange his cheque for Indian currency at the Mumbai airport,” police were quoted as saying.

The victim reportedly discovered he had been scammed after transferring the funds.

Further investigations revealed that Sunday allegedly entered India illegally through Bangladesh in 2022, while Chinedu and Jules entered on study visas in 2018 and 2017 respectively.

Authorities said the suspects posed as women on social media platforms to gain victims’ trust before defrauding them.

In a separate operation, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force arrested Uchenwa over allegations of running a more complex online scam involving fake identities of foreign nationals.

According to reports, the suspect allegedly created fake profiles using identities of citizens from the United States and the United Kingdom to target victims across India.

Victims were said to have been promised luxury gifts and foreign currency shipments, before being pressured to pay customs duties, taxes, and clearance fees to release the supposed items.

One victim from Daliganj, Lucknow, reportedly lost about Rs 68 lakh after being targeted in the scam.

The victim said he began interacting with a Facebook user identified as “Doris Williams” from England, who later claimed she was sending nearly Rs 3 crore in cash to India.

He was later contacted by individuals posing as customs officials who claimed the shipment had been detained at Delhi airport and demanded repeated payments for clearance.

Investigators said the victim eventually transferred nearly Rs 40 lakh in multiple transactions before realizing he had been defrauded and reporting the matter to police.

The STF cybercrime unit later tracked and arrested Uchenwa in Delhi through surveillance operations.

He reportedly admitted entering India in 2010 for business purposes but later became involved in cyber fraud after suffering financial losses.

Police say investigations are ongoing to uncover other members of the alleged syndicate.

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, have destroyed two cannabis plantations in the Ago Forest area of Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state.

The Edo State Commander of the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, revealing that the destroyed cannabis farms had an estimated yield of 1,388.42 kilogrammes.

Ofoyeju also confirmed the arrest of four suspected drug traffickers during separate operations conducted across the state within the past week.

“In a sustained offensive against drug trafficking and abuse, the Edo State Command has destroyed two cannabis plantations with a yield of 1,388.42kg and arrested four suspected drug traffickers within the past one week,” he stated.

According to the commander, no arrests were made during the raid on the plantations as the cultivators were absent at the time of the operation.

However, three female suspects and one male suspect were later apprehended during separate raids carried out behind the Oredo Local Government Secretariat in Benin City, the Oluku area, and Uduwuga in Uhumwonde Local Government Area.

The suspects were identified as Eniye Osague, 25; Osaretin Erabor, 43; Vivian Chukwuma, 38; and Osigwe Omogie, 44.

Providing details of the arrests, Ofoyeju said Eniye Osague was arrested behind the Oredo Local Government Secretariat on May 15, 2026, with 272 grammes of Scottish Loud.

He added that Osaretin Erabor was apprehended at the same location with 914 grammes of cannabis sativa.

The NDLEA boss further disclosed that Vivian Chukwuma was arrested at Hausa Quarters in Oluku with 315 grammes of Loud, 22 grammes of Colorado, 38 grammes of methamphetamine, and 30 grammes of Tramadol 100mg.

He said the fourth suspect, Osigwe Omogie, was arrested with 113 grammes of cannabis sativa, eight grammes of Loud, and five grammes of Tramadol.

Beyond enforcement operations, Ofoyeju said the agency partnered with the Niger Delta Development Commission to organise a three-day school sensitisation programme in Benin City aimed at combating cultism and drug abuse among students.

The programme, held between May 13 and 15, 2026, focused on the theme, “Anti-Cultism/Drug Abuse in Secondary Schools,” with discussions centred on “Drug Abuse as a Catalyst to Secret Cultism and Related Anti-Social Vices.”

Participating schools included Edo College, Western Boys High School, and Uselu Grammar School.

According to the agency, a total of 1,505 male students and 250 female students participated in the sensitisation exercise facilitated by officials of the NDLEA, the Nigeria Police Force, and Everlink Network.

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The build-up to the 2027 general elections took a dramatic turn on Monday as the senatorial primaries of the All Progressives Congress produced a wave of political upsets, consensus arrangements, high-profile withdrawals, and protests across several states.

The primaries, held nationwide, reshaped the party’s political landscape as influential figures battled for tickets amid allegations of manipulation, disputed clearances, and internal realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.

Among the most notable outcomes was the political comeback of former Yahaya Bello, who secured the APC ticket for Kogi Central Senatorial District in a landslide victory. Bello polled 72,399 votes to defeat his rivals, Ibrahim Yakubu Adoje and Momoh Obaro, across the five local government areas in the district.

In Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodimma defeated former governor Rochas Okorocha to clinch the APC ticket for Imo West Senatorial District. Uzodimma polled 230,464 votes against Okorocha’s 1,098 votes in the exercise conducted on Monday.

Delta State also witnessed major political shifts as former governor Ifeanyi Okowa defeated incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko in Delta North Senatorial District. Okowa recorded 113,039 votes, while Nwoko secured 2,612 votes.

Similarly, Senator Ede Dafinone defeated former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege in Delta Central. Official results showed Dafinone polling 116,252 votes against Omo-Agege’s 3,643 votes.

However, Omo-Agege rejected the outcome and declared himself winner, insisting collated ward results showed overwhelming support in his favour.

In Akwa Ibom, Senate President Godswill Akpabio emerged unopposed as the APC candidate for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District during an affirmation exercise held in Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin also emerged through affirmation in Kano North amid a strong show of support from party leaders and delegates.

Other top APC figures who emerged through consensus arrangements included Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele in Ekiti Central, Senator Ali Ndume in Borno South, former Senate President Ahmad Lawan in Yobe North, and former Kebbi State Governor Adamu Aliero in Kebbi Central.

In Ogun State, confusion trailed the primaries as former governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun stayed away from the exercise amid claims of pre-arranged consensus deals.

Governor Dapo Abiodun dismissed reports of violence and described the process as peaceful and transparent.

The APC primaries in Edo South ended in controversy after rival camps issued conflicting victory claims. While the party collation committee declared Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama winner, another faction reportedly announced Osagie Ize-Iyamu as victor.

Senator Neda Imasuen rejected the process, describing it as manipulated and lacking credibility.

Tension also surfaced in Rivers State where Senator Ipalibo Banigo protested her disqualification from the APC senatorial primaries, describing the decision as unfair and politically motivated.

Earlier in the day, the APC released a controversial list of aspirants who were not cleared to participate in the primaries. The initial list contained 47 names, including former senator Ben Murray-Bruce, before an updated version reduced the figure to 44 without explanation.

The revised list triggered confusion after some aspirants previously marked “Not Cleared” were either removed or reclassified as having voluntarily withdrawn, defected, or failed to appear for screening.

Prominent figures affected included Chief Tamunobaabo Danagogo, Tein Jack-Rich, Senator Benson Agadaga, and several aspirants from Rivers, Zamfara, Oyo, Plateau, Nasarawa, Bayelsa, and Cross River states.

In Kwara State, confusion deepened after reports emerged that Senator Saliu Mustapha had secured clearance to contest against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq despite earlier indications that the governor would emerge unopposed.

The development reportedly unsettled party stakeholders who had anticipated a smooth consensus arrangement.

Meanwhile, APC officials in several states insisted the exercises were peaceful, transparent, and reflected the party’s commitment to internal democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Nigerian forward Murjanatu Musa capped a remarkable debut season in France on Sunday by helping Basket Landes secure a historic domestic double after defeating Bourges Basket 53-50 in the deciding Game Three of the Ligue Féminine de Basketball finals.

The victory handed Basket Landes their second consecutive French league title and the third championship in the club’s history, adding to the French Cup trophy they had already won earlier in the season.

Musa delivered another strong performance in the title-deciding clash, contributing eight points, nine rebounds and two assists as Basket Landes rallied from a third-quarter deficit to clinch the championship before their home fans at Espace François Mitterrand.

The tense encounter remained evenly balanced for much of the contest, with both teams tied 15-15 after the first quarter and again level at 27-27 at half-time.

Bourges Basket edged ahead 40-36 heading into the final quarter, but Basket Landes responded with a decisive late comeback.

A crucial three-pointer from Marie Pardon with 17 seconds remaining proved decisive as Basket Landes held on to seal the victory and trigger celebrations among the home supporters.

Leïla Lacan led the scoring with 19 points and was named Finals Most Valuable Player, while Musa finished as the team’s third-highest scorer in the decisive game.

The Nigerian international maintained consistent form throughout the finals series, recording eight points and nine rebounds in Game Two after posting eight points, three rebounds and one assist in the opening game.

Musa, who joined Basket Landes ahead of the current campaign, has now completed an impressive first season in France, playing a key role in the club’s successful defence of the league title and its domestic cup triumph.

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has vowed that any operative found to have acted outside established professional standards during an incident involving staff of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) will face disciplinary action.

The incident, which occurred on May 12, involved armed EFCC operatives allegedly assaulting the Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Eyo Ekpe, and four other hospital workers during an operation at the facility.

Following a preliminary review of the incident, Olukoyede directed that an official apology be issued to address concerns raised by the medical community and members of the public.

In a statement posted on the commission’s X handle on Monday, the EFCC chairman expressed regret over the incident, describing it as inconsistent with the standards expected of the anti-graft agency.

“While acknowledging that the well-being of Nigerians is at the core of the Commission’s mandate, he expressed regret at the discomfort the unfortunate episode caused staff of the hospital and members of the public,” the statement read.

Olukoyede also ordered a full investigation into the matter and assured that any officer found culpable would face internal disciplinary measures.

“Once the exercise is completed, any officer found to have acted outside the acceptable code of professional conduct would be subjected to the internal disciplinary process,” he stated.

He further assured stakeholders that the EFCC would collaborate with relevant bodies to prevent a recurrence of such incidents while maintaining its commitment to combating economic and financial crimes nationwide.

The EFCC chairman also appealed to the Nigerian Medical Association and other professional groups to continue supporting the commission’s anti-corruption efforts.

The controversy followed allegations by Prof. Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgeon at the hospital, that EFCC operatives harassed and assaulted him and other staff members while attempting to arrest him over an alleged fake medical report.

Speaking at a press conference last Wednesday, Ekpe detailed the confrontation between the operatives and hospital workers.

The Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Prof. Ememabasi Bassey, also confirmed that Ekpe and four other staff members were arrested without prior notice to the hospital management.

Bassey maintained that the medical report at the centre of the controversy was fake and suggested that some insiders within the hospital may have collaborated with outsiders to produce it.

“One of the things we must get to the bottom of is how the lawyer handling the case got the fake medical report. There may be bad eggs within the hospital working with outsiders,” he said.

He criticised the conduct of the operatives, noting that they failed to notify hospital management or present an arrest warrant before proceeding to Ekpe’s office.

“At no point did they come to look for the CMD, the CMAC or the director of administration. They went to his office,” Bassey added.

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria and the Association of Resident Doctors, UUTH chapters, condemned the incident and embarked on industrial action over the alleged assault and arrest.

The associations demanded disciplinary action against the operatives involved, compensation and treatment for injured staff, public apologies in two national newspapers, and repairs to damaged property.

The EFCC chairman’s directive for a probe appears to contrast with an earlier position by the commission, which had stated that its operatives acted professionally and did not disrupt activities at the hospital.

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The post EFCC CHAIR VOWS SANCTIONS FOR ERRING OFFICERS OVER UYO TEACHING HOSPITAL INCIDENT appeared first on Hotjist.

By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old man, Surajo Isyaku, for alleged involvement in kidnapping, cattle rustling and acting as an informant for armed bandits operating in Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities.

The command also linked the suspect to a deadly attack on Sayaya Village in Matazu LGA, where several houses were burnt and a police officer attached to the Matazu Division was killed.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq.

According to the statement, the suspect was arrested on May 15, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m. following credible intelligence gathered by detectives of the command.

“The Katsina State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Ali Umar Fage, has successfully arrested one Surajo Isyaku, aged 45 years, for alleged involvement in multiple cases of kidnapping, cattle rustling, and acting as an informant to armed bandits terrorising Matazu LGA and environs,” the statement read.

Police said the suspect confessed during interrogation to participating in two kidnapping operations in Sayaya Village, where a total ransom of ₦7 million was allegedly collected from victims.

He reportedly admitted receiving ₦900,000 as his share of the proceeds.

Investigators also alleged that the suspect invited a notorious bandit leader identified as Bello and his gang to Dukawa Village on two occasions, during which 14 cows were rustled.

According to the police, Isyaku received ₦40,000 from the cattle rustling operations.

The command further linked the suspect to the April 5, 2026 attack on Sayaya Village, which resulted in the burning of houses and the killing of a police officer.

Police authorities said efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects, including the alleged bandit kingpin Bello and another accomplice identified as Babaye.

The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar Fage, commended the operatives involved in the arrest and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping, banditry and cattle rustling across the state.

He also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support security operations.

Police said investigations were ongoing and that the suspect would be charged to court upon conclusion of the probe.

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Agency Report

Brazil star Neymar has been recalled to the national team for the upcoming World Cup, marking a dramatic return after almost three years away from international duty.

The 34-year-old forward was included in a 26-man squad announced on Monday by Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, with his selection drawing loud cheers at a gala ceremony in Rio de Janeiro.

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, had not featured for the national team since suffering a knee injury during a 2023 World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay. His absence had been prolonged by recurring injuries and inconsistent form.

His recall comes after returning to his boyhood club Santos in January following a difficult spell in Saudi Arabia, with Ancelotti ultimately deeming him fit and ready for international competition.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward has previously represented Brazil at the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups and will now be part of the squad competing in the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Brazil, who are aiming for a record-extending sixth World Cup title, will open their campaign against Morocco on June 13 before facing Haiti and Scotland in Group C.

The squad features a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents, with notable inclusions such as Alisson (Liverpool), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Casemiro (Manchester United), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), and Raphinha (Barcelona), alongside Neymar’s long-awaited return.

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has ordered the Federal Republic of Nigeria to urgently decongest its correctional facilities and address the prolonged detention of awaiting-trial inmates across the country.

The Court also directed Nigeria to submit, within six months, a detailed compliance report outlining steps taken to reduce prison congestion, including updated statistics on inmates released, prosecuted, or otherwise processed through the justice system.

In a ruling delivered on 15 May 2026 and made public on Monday, the Court held that Nigeria’s continued detention of a large number of awaiting-trial inmates, alongside overcrowded prison conditions, violated key provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The case, marked ECW/CCJ/APP/05/25, was filed by the Centre for Community Law, a non-governmental organisation, which alleged systemic failures in Nigeria’s justice and correctional system. The group argued that many inmates are detained for bailable offences and held beyond legally permissible periods.

According to figures presented before the Court, Nigeria’s correctional facilities hold over 79,000 inmates, with more than 52,000 of them awaiting trial.

While Nigeria denied the allegations, insisting that detentions were lawful and that its correctional facilities were adequately managed, the Court dismissed its objection challenging the standing of the applicant. It affirmed the principle of actio popularis, allowing public interest litigation on behalf of affected persons.

On the merits of the case, the Court found that Nigeria failed to adequately refute evidence presented by the applicant, including official statistics, and consequently ruled that the situation amounted to violations of Articles 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 of the African Charter.

The Court specifically held that prolonged pre-trial detention violated the right to liberty, fair hearing, presumption of innocence, and the right to trial within a reasonable time, while overcrowded correctional facilities breached the right to dignity.

As part of its orders, the Court directed Nigeria to establish periodic judicial review mechanisms for pre-trial detention, expand the use of non-custodial measures for minor and bailable offences, and implement a comprehensive prison decongestion policy.

It further ordered the Federal Government to file a compliance report within six months detailing progress made in reforming the correctional system and reducing the inmate population.

The ruling underscores growing regional scrutiny of Nigeria’s criminal justice system and renewed calls for urgent reform of correctional facilities nationwide.

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