The Osun State Police Command has arrested the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, and five other suspects following a raid linked to alleged vote-buying and the concealment of a wanted criminal. The state police spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the development on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, noting that the operation yielded significant financial and electoral exhibits. The raid was executed after the command received credible and actionable intelligence regarding a criminal gang operating around the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo. Security operatives targeted a residential property linked to the SSG, where they were tracking a suspect identified as Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as ‘Ashipa’. Arowomole remains on the police watch list for serious criminal offences, including murder. During the operation, police officers recovered a cash sum of N4,810,500, alongside one Dynabook laptop, one photocopy machine, and one printer. More critically, operatives seized two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and a comprehensive voter register covering Wards 1 to 15. All recovered items have been secured for forensic examination and further investigation. Alongside the 57-year-old SSG, five other individuals found within the premises were taken into lawful custody. The police identified the other suspects as Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40. The simultaneous recovery of millions in cash and a detailed voter register has raised serious concerns regarding possible electoral offences. Investigators have consequently broadened the scope of their enquiries to determine the source and intended use of the recovered funds. The command disclosed that it is currently examining potential offences under the Electoral Act 2022. This includes the alleged bribery of voters through the distribution of money or inducements intended to influence voting decisions. Additionally, investigators are reviewing allegations of criminal conspiracy and the illegal harboring or concealment of a wanted suspect. Police authorities emphasized that these are severe allegations with far-reaching implications for public security, the administration of justice, and the credibility of the democratic process. They noted that additional charges could still emerge as forensic examinations and evidence-gathering progress. Reassuring residents, CP Ibrahim Gotan asserted that the Nigeria Police Force will enforce the law without fear or favor, regardless of political affiliation. "No individual, irrespective of social status or public office, is above the law," Gotan stated, confirming that any person found culpable will face full prosecution under the law.

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested four individuals in connection with two separate weekend killings, including a deadly jungle justice assault triggered by witchcraft allegations. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, confirmed the incidents in an official statement released on Wednesday. The first incident occurred in the Dandango area on July 20 at approximately 11:30 pm. A mob violently attacked 51-year-old Monday Chiroma and another resident, Yelwa Bango, after accusing them of using witchcraft to bewitch a 20-year-old local woman, Jamila Anthony. Both victims were rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi. Chiroma later succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at a hospital facility in Gudun Hausawa, while Bango survived and was discharged after receiving medical care. Police operatives have arrested three key suspects linked to the lynching: Danjuma Anthony, 25. Ayuba Anthony (alias Babaru), 22. Christopher Adamu, 34. During police interrogation, the three suspects confessed to the crime. Law enforcement officials are currently tracking additional accomplices who remain at large. In an unrelated development on July 25, a 25-year-old man identified as Zahradeen Dan’Azumi Tanko was stabbed to death in the Unguwan Kur neighborhood of Bauchi. The police arrested 21-year-old Al-Amin Hamisu Gidado for allegedly stabbing Tanko in the back. A second suspect, Yahaya Mu’azu, fled the scene and remains at large. Tanko was rushed to ATBUTH, where medical personnel confirmed him dead on arrival. Both homicide cases have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for comprehensive investigation and subsequent prosecution. The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, strongly condemned the resort to self-help and jungle justice. He urged residents to remain law-abiding and report all suspicious activities or grievances directly to the nearest police formation rather than taking the law into their own hands.

The drama unfolded at a Lagos marriage registry where the couple gathered with family members and close associates to officialise their union under the Matrimonial Causes Act. Adhering to standard legal protocols, the presiding marriage registrar paused the proceedings to explicitly detail the strict statutory obligations binding the couple. The registrar firmly cautioned both parties that entering into any other simultaneous marriage constitutes the criminal offense of bigamy. A wave of visible panic washed over Peller the moment the registrar announced that bigamy carries a minimum penalty of five years` imprisonment with absolutely no option of a fine. Stunned by the severity of the law, the content creator abruptly halted the administrative process to voice his confusion. In a moment caught entirely on camera, a bewildered Peller demanded to know why criminal incarceration was being mentioned in a matter completely rooted in love. "This is marriage, love. What concerns love with imprisonment?" Peller loudly questioned, prompting immediate laughter from guests and micro-interactions from his bride, Jarvis, who tried to calm him down. The registrar calmly offered the young couple a moment to rethink their decision before proceeding with the heavy legal vows. Despite his initial shock and vocal resistance to the concept of jail time, Peller eventually composed himself to save the day. THENEWSCREDIT reports that the ceremony successfully continued as Peller and Jarvis took turns reciting the formal legal requirements, strictly pledging to cling only to each other until death parts them. Footage of the encounter immediately flooded social media networks like TikTok and Instagram, drawing massive engagement from millions of Nigerian fans. While many viewers found the streamer’s raw, comedic reaction entirely on-brand, the clip sparked a broader public discourse regarding legal literacy in civil unions. Legal experts reacting to the viral video across digital platforms noted that Peller’s shock highlights a widespread lack of public awareness regarding federal marriage laws. Legal practitioners clarified that statutory marriages in Nigeria are strictly monogamous, meaning any secondary traditional or civil marriage while the first subsists violates federal code. The law is intentionally stringent to protect marital frameworks, rendering the five-year jail sentence a real statutory threat, rather than mere formality. With the legal paperwork officially completed, the newlywed couple has shifted their full attention toward their highly anticipated white wedding reception slated for August 1, 2026. Peller has already warned uninvited fans and gatecrashers to stay away from the venue, noting that security agencies will strictly enforce attendance protocols. The grand ceremony is expected to shut down the entertainment landscape as top digital influencers gather to celebrate the couple’s legal milestone.

The Nigeria Police Force has barred the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, local vigilantes, and other unauthorized security outfits from participating in the upcoming 2026 Osun State governorship election. The decisive move aims to streamline security operations and ensure a seamless, violence-free electoral process across the state. The directive was officially announced by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone XI. The order was conveyed to journalists on Wednesday through a statement signed by the zonal Public Relations Officer, SP Ojedele Olanrewaju, underscoring the federal government`s stance on election security. According to the statement, the Nigeria Police Force will work exclusively with constitutionally recognized statutory security agencies to maintain law and order. The command emphasized that no parallel security structures would be permitted to operate near polling units or collation centers before, during, and after the governorship polls. The police high command explicitly stated that the provision of security remains the sole responsibility of conventional federal forces. This collaborative network will oversee crowd control, border surveillance, and the general protection of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials throughout the state. To prevent impersonation and maintain accountability, the AIG ordered that all personnel deployed for election duties must be properly documented. Every authorized officer must wear their approved official uniforms with visible identification tags at all times during the deployment. The statement strictly warned quasi-security bodies, neighborhood watch organizations, and political security guards to stay away from the electoral process. The police reiterated that these groups have no legal backing to perform security functions, manage crowds, or interfere with voters. The zonal command issued a stern warning to individuals or groups intending to violate the directive or intimidate voters and electoral officials. The police declared that anyone found carrying out unauthorized security duties would face immediate arrest and severe legal consequences. Finally, the police appealed to political parties, candidates, and residents of Osun State to remain law-abiding and report suspicious movements to authorized forces. The command reaffirmed its total commitment to safeguarding the democratic process and ensuring a secure environment for eligible voters to exercise their franchise without fear.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that the protection of students and teachers across the state remains non-negotiable, vowing that his administration will heavily invest in security to ensure no educational institution becomes a soft target for criminals. The Governor made this declaration during a one-day seminar themed “Building Resilient Schools: Strengthening Operational Capacity for Safety, Security and Child Protection in Oyo State Educational Institutions.” Speaking through the Head of Operations, Oyo State Security Trust Fund, Akin Oyedele, the Governor noted that nationwide security concerns demand a total overhaul of existing campus safety strategies. "Recent security challenges across Nigeria have made it imperative for stakeholders to rethink and restrategise how to safeguard children and their learning spaces," Makinde said. He pledged full logistics and policy support to execute actionable safety frameworks. The Governor challenged security agencies, community leaders, and school administrators to move beyond rhetoric. He demanded rapid response mechanisms and seamless collaboration with the state government to turn the seminar`s resolutions into tangible results. Reinforcing this message, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olusegun Olayiwola—represented by the Ministry`s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bamidele Oyinloye—stressed that school safety must be tackled holistically. "Every stakeholder must be actively involved," Olayiwola stated. "Safety is an all-encompassing duty that must be aggressively addressed both outside and inside the school gates." Providing a tactical assessment at the event, the Oyo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Augustine Padonu, outlined critical security loopholes currently plaguing schools. Represented by Deputy Commandant Timothy Patunola, the NSCDC boss listed major institutional vulnerabilities, including:Inadequate perimeter fencing and unrestricted entry points.Low security awareness among staff and students.Insufficient emergency preparedness and a lack of surveillance technology.Weak communication channels with formal security agencies. The high-level seminar drew key stakeholders from across the state, including NSCDC Area Commanders, regional officers, school administrators, and various development partners, all uniting to forge a frontline defense for Oyo`s educational sector.

Omotayo Sanusi, the estranged wife of prominent Nollywood actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo, has broken her silence to deny viral reports linking top actresses Toyin Abraham and Funke Akindele to the collapse of her marriage. Sanusi, popularly known as Iyan Aladuke, issued a lengthy statement on her Instagram page on Wednesday to debunk what she described as fabricated internet narratives. The controversy escalated after a TikTok blogger alleged that Toyin Abraham had informed Sanusi of an illicit affair between Femi Adebayo and Funke Akindele during the filming of Jagun Jagun Part 2. The blogger further claimed Sanusi stormed the movie set to assault Akindele, an incident that allegedly triggered the marital split and caused a rift between Akindele and Abraham. Reacting to the reports, Sanusi stated that no such clash ever occurred. “The allegation that actress Toyin Abraham was responsible for the problems in my marriage by allegedly informing me that another actress was with my then-partner on a movie set is completely false," Sanusi wrote. "For the record, I never confronted, attacked, assaulted, or harassed any woman or man at any movie location. No such incident ever took place.” Sanusi explained that rather than causing a disruption on the set, she was actively managing the welfare department of the massive production to support her then-husband. “I was present on that production from the very beginning until the end of the shoot. My team and I were solely responsible for the welfare of the entire production, catering for over 500 cast and crew members for more than one month," she noted. "In a production involving over 500 people, I find it difficult to understand how such an incident could have allegedly occurred without a single witness." She subsequently challenged anyone claiming to have been harassed or assaulted by her on that set to come forward publicly with proof. In the comment section of a follow-up post, Sanusi also defended box-office queen Funke Akindele against lingering sabotage claims propagated by a former associate named Toun. When a follower urged her to clear Akindele`s name, Sanusi fired back at the critic for being "gullible" and believing an "evil betrayal without any proof." She challenged her accusers to produce unedited evidence, reemphasising that her initial silence was a choice for peace, not an admission of guilt. This public clarification comes on the heels of earlier statements from Femi Adebayo’s family, who recently dismissed separate online claims that the filmmaker had abandoned Sanusi following the foreclosure of their Lagos home. A family representative, Mrs. Taiwo Abdulmalik, clarified that the property was lost to a bank loan foreclosure, adding that Adebayo secured temporary short-let accommodation for Sanusi and continues to fund their son`s multi-million naira medical bills. While Sanusi had previously declined to comment on the financial and housing disputes, labeling them private family matters, her Wednesday statement marks the first time she has directly addressed and dismantled the infidelity rumors shaking Nollywood.

In a rare move that challenges the conventional lifestyle of Nigerian politicians, the former Chairman of Kumbotso Local Government Area in Kano State, Abdullahi Gali Shitu, has returned to his fashion design shop just months after being removed from office by a court. Shitu, widely known as Comrade Abdullahi Gali Basaf, lost his seat in March 2026 after a Kano State High Court nullified his election victory. Rather than chasing another political appointment, he went straight back to his workshop in Sheka Ward, where he currently supervises 20 apprentices. Holding both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Political Science, Basaf insists that public office should be viewed as a temporary call to service rather than a full-time career or sole source of income. "Politics can change overnight. You can be in office today and out tomorrow. But tailoring remains," Basaf told reporters. "Value your trade more than politics, because it sustains you and enables you to support your political activities." He revealed that his sewing business actually financed his political campaigns, proving that vocational skills can empower citizens to participate in politics without relying on godfathers or public funds. Far from viewing his return to manual labor as a downgrade, the former council boss plans to scale up his enterprise into a modern garment manufacturing company aimed at employing at least 50 people. He urged Nigerian youths to look beyond dwindling white-collar jobs and political thuggery, advising them to embrace and modernize vocational trades. While Basaf has ruled out quitting politics entirely, he maintains that his tailoring business will always take precedence over public office.

In a major push to revolutionize Nigeria`s healthcare sector and achieve pharmaceutical self-sufficiency, the Federal Government has officially unveiled seven breakthrough herbal medicines. Developed by the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), these indigenous remedies are scientifically formulated to treat and manage chronic, life-threatening conditions, including prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, hepatitis B, peptic ulcer disease, and hypertension. The high-profile unveiling took place during an official working visit by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, to the NNMDA headquarters in Lagos. Addressing journalists and pharmaceutical stakeholders, the minister emphasized that Nigeria is heavily endowed with thousands of potent medicinal plants. He noted that if properly harnessed, this rich biodiversity could provide definitive and affordable solutions to the diverse health challenges plaguing millions of Nigerians. Historically, traditional African medicine has faced widespread skepticism due to concerns over safety, hygiene, and imprecise measurements. However, the Director-General of NNMDA, Prof. Martins Emeje, declared that the era of guesswork is over, as the agency has successfully institutionalized rigorous standardisation. The seven newly launched remedies have been processed using advanced pharmaceutical technology into familiar, precise clinical dosage forms, including capsules, tablets, and syrups. Among the newly launched products is Namdavir, a natural drug showing high activity against the Hepatitis B virus, and Turmegol, a formulation backed by scientific evidence capable of stopping cancer progression or eliminating early-stage cancer cells. The agency also introduced Namdacid for peptic ulcer management, Namdorol for lowering high cholesterol, Namgor as a natural aphrodisiac, and a clinically optimized Zobo Tea specifically engineered for blood pressure control and hypertension management. Beyond the immediate medical benefits, the Federal Government is eyeing massive economic windfalls from the commercialisation of these indigenous research outputs. Minister Udeh revealed that meeting with captains of the pharmaceutical industry confirmed that Nigeria has the latent capacity to produce and export natural medicines worth billions of dollars. This domestic production model is expected to save the country billions of naira currently spent on foreign drug importation. The economic impact is also expected to trigger massive relief for the country`s labor market. According to Prof. Emeje, who is a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy, just one of the seven products launched has the capacity to generate 3.5 million jobs across its agricultural and production value chain. The agency intends to aggressively scale up cultivation, processing, and distribution networks to engage local farmers and youth nationwide. To sustain this momentum and validate future discoveries, the minister pledged immediate action to establish a world-class Clinical Observational Research Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. Recognizing the bureaucratic delays of public financing, Udeh announced that the government would bypass the 2027 budget cycle entirely. Instead, the ministry is actively sourcing innovative, alternative funding streams to build the research facility immediately to fast-track clinical trials. The breakthrough has also caught international attention, positioning Nigeria as an emerging leader in global complementary medicine. The Consul General of India in Lagos, Shri Kannan, who attended the event, proposed a deep bilateral partnership between Nigeria and India. Kannan noted that both ancient civilizations possess rich biodiversity and centuries-old healing traditions that can collaborate on quality assurance, biodiversity conservation, and academic exchanges. This landmark initiative marks a decisive turning point in Nigeria`s medical narrative, shifting the country from a consumer of foreign pharmaceuticals to a potential global exporter of natural drugs. With strong federal backing and strategic corporate alliances, the NNMDA is set to prove that local solutions are fully capable of tackling global health crises while driving national economic prosperity.

The Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, has broken his silence over his absence during a recent campaign visit to his palace by the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. In a sharp reaction that has intensified political tensions ahead of the August 15 governorship election, the monarch declared that he had no blessings for the opposition party, stating he would have instead invoked a royal curse on its members. The monarch’s absence during the APC delegation`s visit last Tuesday triggered a fierce social media debate. APC supporters accused the traditional ruler of deliberately boycotting the opposition because the incumbent Governor, Ademola Adeleke—who is seeking re-election under the Accord party platform—is an indigene of Ede. However, speaking on Tuesday during an Accord campaign rally in Ede, Oba Lawal dismissed claims that he fled the palace. The first-class monarch revealed he was actually waiting to confront the APC team over a controversial campaign slogan used by its supporters. According to a video circulated by Arise TV, the monarch, speaking in Yoruba, directly linked his anger to the slogan "E Pana Ede, E Tan Ti Ikire" (meaning "Turn off Ede’s light, turn on Ikire’s light"). The phrase targets Governor Adeleke’s hometown of Ede in favor of Oyebamiji’s native home, Ikire. "There is a rumour that I left the palace on the day the APC people came to visit me," Oba Lawal said. "I was actually waiting for the day they would come so I could ask them why they said `Off Ede Light.` What do they expect from me? It would have been a curse." Before the monarch`s public outburst, attempts had been made to downplay the incident. Alhaji Gbedebo Ajao, a member of the Osun State APC Elders Caucus, had previously stated that the traditional ruler’s absence was strictly non-political. Ajao explained that Oba Lawal and other members of the Ede/Egbedore Traditional Council had traveled to Ile-Ife to commiserate with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over the demise of his elder brother. Ajao noted that the APC had fact-checked the trip and was even looking to secure a new date for the palace visit. Despite the official excuse, APC loyalists have continued to criticize the monarch for failing to maintain a neutral, fatherly role. Social media commentator Awwal Tunde Alawo pointed out that this was the second time opposition groups faced a cold reception in Ede, alleging that the palace gates were similarly shut against the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salaam, two weeks ago. Critics argue that while Governor Adeleke enjoys warm receptions from traditional rulers across Osun State, Oba Lawal has failed to extend the same courtesy to rival candidates. With the governorship election less than three weeks away, the royal standoff has further polarized voters in what is shaping up to be a highly combustible electoral contest.

Governor Seyi Makinde has issued a heartfelt message of gratitude to the citizens of Oyo State, praising their resilience and unwavering support for his administration. The Governor reassured the public that his team remains completely focused on delivering impactful governance that directly improves the lives of everyday residents. "To the good people of Oyo State, thank you for your patience and support," Governor Makinde stated. "As I have always said, we are here to serve you and we will always act in your best interests." The administration is currently accelerating several key developmental projects across the state`s geopolitical zones. These initiatives span critical sectors, including infrastructural expansion, healthcare upgrades, and agricultural incentives designed to boost local food production. Government house sources indicate that new social welfare packages are being finalized to cushion current economic pressures. The upcoming programs will focus on small business grants and enhanced support for vulnerable groups across the 33 local government areas. State officials emphasize that public feedback remains central to shaping government policies. Citizens are encouraged to maintain an open, constructive dialogue with leadership to ensure community needs are met accurately and efficiently.