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 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.

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.

The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has launched a 10-year strategic roadmap to scale up the country`s raw cashew nut production from 300,000 tonnes to one million tonnes, with a mandate to process 50 per cent of the total yield domestically. The initiative was announced during the inauguration of the association’s national and state chapter executives in Abuja. The strategy aims to accelerate industrialisation, increase non-oil export earnings, attract foreign direct investments, and create thousands of jobs across cashew-producing states. Speaking at the event, THENEWSCREDIT gathered NCAN National President, Ademola Adesokan, emphasized that the target is a practical roadmap with measurable milestones rather than a mere aspiration. He stated that while policies originate at the federal level, the core drivers of the value chain—production, aggregation, storage, and quality assurance—rest within the farming communities. Adesokan explained that the newly formed state chapters will serve as the operational backbone of the strategy, ensuring strict quality control and enhanced supply chain traceability. This grassroots coordination is expected to build confidence among processors and exporters, making Nigerian cashew highly competitive on the global stage. THENEWSCREDIT reports that the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) pledged its full policy backing for the initiative, describing the inauguration as the official transition from policy formulation to direct execution. Delivering the ministry’s goodwill message on behalf of the Director of the Industrial Development Department, Olumuyiwa Jayi-Ade, Assistant Director Popoola Abimbola commended NCAN’s collaborative role in validating the Nigeria Cashew Roadmap. To ensure seamless execution, Abimbola revealed that the ministry, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, NCAN, and development partners, will establish the Nigerian Cashew Project Office (NCPO). The new office will handle stakeholder collaboration, monitor execution frameworks, and drive reforms across the value chain. FMITI also encouraged NCAN members to ensure the financial sustainability of the association through the prompt payment of dues to strengthen its capacity for policy advocacy. Highlighting the economic importance of the sector, the Director of the Commodities and Export Department, Obasi Edozie, described the expansion of state chapters as a major institutional milestone for industry governance. Edozie reaffirmed that cashew remains one of Nigeria’s most strategic non-oil commodities capable of generating vital foreign exchange, driving rural development, and stimulating industrial growth. He urged all value chain stakeholders to stay united in enforcing global quality standards, improving traceability, and expanding local processing capacities to capture maximum value from the sector.

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has strongly backed the creation of state police but demanded full constitutional powers for governors to appoint and dismiss state Commissioners of Police. The regional leaders warned that any arrangement short of this authority would merely create a "Federal State Police" rather than a genuinely decentralised system rooted in true federalism. The position was part of the resolutions reached at a stakeholders` meeting held at the PANDEF liaison office in Abuja. The high-level political gathering was attended by prominent elder statesmen, including former Akwa Ibom State Governor Obong Victor Attah, former Enugu State Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo, PANDEF National Chairman Dr Godknows Igali, and Middle Belt Forum President Dr Bitrus Pogu. Reading the communiqué, SMBLF Chairman and Afenifere leader, Chief Oladipo Olaitan, argued that governors must hold the same executive authority over their state commissioners as the President holds over the Inspector-General of Police. The forum, which comprises Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, PANDEF, and the Middle Belt Forum, insisted that meaningful state policing can only succeed if backed by genuine constitutional autonomy. Beyond restructuring the security architecture, the forum renewed its demand for a brand-new constitution that would devolve more powers to the federating units and better reflect Nigeria’s federal character. Olaitan stated that the group is prepared to mobilise citizens nationwide to vote exclusively for presidential candidates who are fully committed to delivering a new constitution to the people. Turning their attention to the upcoming 2027 general elections, the regional leaders reaffirmed their earlier stance that the presidency must remain in the Southern region after President Bola Tinubu’s first term. The leaders argued that maintaining this rotational arrangement is absolutely necessary for national cohesion, equity, and political stability across the country. The SMBLF also expressed deep concern over the erosion of internal democracy across major political parties, strongly condemning the alleged dominance of party structures by a few individuals during ongoing primary elections. They criticised the situation where an oligarchy handpicks candidates, noting that excluding independent candidates is antithetical to democracy and sustainable national development. On national security, the forum praised the armed forces for recent successes against criminal elements in parts of the country, specifically highlighting operational gains in Oyo, Zamfara, and Borno states. However, they urged the Federal Government to sustain the momentum and intensify actions in violence-prone states across the Middle Belt, including Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, Kwara, and Kogi. This intervention comes amid growing national debate over the operational framework for state police as the National Assembly considers crucial constitutional amendments. While proponents argue that decentralised policing will improve local intelligence gathering, critics continue to warn against potential abuse by state governors, leaving the nation divided on the execution strategy.

The Emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Suleiman, on Sunday led thousands of Muslims in a special prayer for rain (Salat al-Istisqa) to save communities from a devastating, prolonged dry spell threatening livelihoods across Yobe State. The critical prayer session drew a massive crowd to the Gashu`a prayer ground, bringing together prominent Islamic scholars, district heads, community leaders, and desperate local farmers. Together, they offered special supplications, pleading for urgent divine intervention to bring abundant rainfall, secure a bountiful harvest, and shield the region from the looming threat of famine. Addressing the congregation after the prayers, Emir Suleiman admonished the public to look inward. He strongly urged residents to intensify their worship, seek forgiveness through repentance, and foster communal unity and good conduct, emphasizing that true righteousness attracts the mercy and blessings of the Almighty. The spiritual intervention comes at a time of growing panic, as a severe lack of consistent rainfall over recent weeks has halted the growth of essential staple crops across Yobe State. Major food crops like millet, sorghum, and maize are already drying up in the fields, leaving local farming populations terrified of total crop failure. Agricultural experts have issued stark warnings over the unfolding crisis, noting that if the dry spell persists any longer, it will trigger acute food insecurity. This could plunge thousands of rural households, who depend entirely on subsistence farming, into deep economic hardship and inflation. The session concluded with emotional community prayers for peace, national prosperity, and immediate relief, with residents hoping the heavens will open up in the coming days to restore the land and protect their survival.

Professor Wole Alamu, husband of the recently rescued Oyo State school principal, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, has opened up about the harrowing 50 days his wife spent in captivity, revealing why he took the drastic step of blocking the kidnappers` phone numbers during negotiations . Speaking during a thanksgiving testimony following her release, Professor Alamu disclosed that constant threats from the abductors caused his blood pressure to skyrocket, posing an immediate danger to his life . Mrs. Alamu, the principal of Ahoro Esinle School in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, was abducted alongside some pupils and teachers by gunmen on May 15, 2026. For three weeks, her husband handled direct communications with the criminals, an ordeal he described as emotionally draining and physically destabilising. "There was a day I went for a medical check-up. They sent me a text message and I became destabilised," Professor Alamu recounted []. "By the time I got to the clinic, my blood pressure had increased so much that I could not even do the check-up." Realising the conversations were killing him, the academic made a bold resolution []. "That day I decided I would block these people. You cannot kill me here and kill her there. Choose one. If you want to take her, she is going to be with Christ. You cannot kill the two of us at the same time." The decision to cut off contact triggered a swift, psychological backlash from the kidnappers against the principal "They went to her and said, ‘Madam, your husband has blocked us. We are going to kill you,’" the professor revealed. "She replied, ‘You will not kill me in Jesus’ name.’" According to the testimony, the abductors left a cutlass beside Mrs. Alamu, apparently trying to pressure her into taking her own life. However, she remained resilient, boldly telling them she would not harm herself. Despite the trauma, Professor Alamu praised the swift mobilization of security forces immediately after the abduction. He noted that within 45 minutes of his arrival at Osiele, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2nd Mechanised Division and the State Commissioner of Police were already on the ground, with two helicopters already combing the forest . The incident drew widespread solidarity across religious boundaries and international borders. The professor noted that the first two groups to visit and support him were the Muslim communities of Oyo State and the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). He also received tactical support proposals and calls from non-governmental organizations and individuals as far as California and Los Angeles in the United States. Reflecting on the crisis, which he described as the greatest challenge his family has faced since he became a Christian in 1990, Professor Alamu urged believers to take their faith seriously before adversity strikes. "We are a very quiet family. If you searched my name on Google before now, what you would mostly see was academics," he said []. "But difficult situations expose your spiritual foundation. If you want to be a Christian, please be a Christian, so that when challenges come, people won`t be praying in vain." Mrs. Alamu and the other victims finally regained their freedom after a coordinated rescue operation announced by the Federal Government, bringing a joyful end to a 50-day nightmare .