Category: News

By Jabiru Hassan

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has confirmed an attempted robbery incident at the Ogbomosho Transmission Substation in the early hours of May 10, 2026.

According to preliminary reports, a group of armed men gained unauthorized access into the substation premises by scaling the perimeter fence near the gate between late Saturday night and early Sunday morning.

The intruders reportedly advanced toward the gate house in an attempt to attack and immobilise the vigilante security personnel on duty. However, the security team successfully repelled the attackers by firing warning shots, forcing them to retreat and flee through the same route they used to gain entry.

During their escape, the suspects abandoned some tools and personal belongings near the fence wall.

An early morning inspection of the premises revealed abandoned implements suspected to have been used in the attempted attack, as well as traces of blood and footprints leading toward the escape route.

A further search conducted after daylight reportedly led to the recovery of a bag containing additional tools believed to belong to the fleeing suspects.

TCN stated that the incident has been reported to relevant authorities and that the company is currently collaborating with security agencies to investigate the matter and prevent future occurrences.

The company confirmed that no personnel were injured during the incident and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding critical power infrastructure and ensuring the safety of staff nationwide.

According to the statement, a formal report of the incident has also been scheduled for presentation to the Oba’s Palace on May 11, 2026.

The Director-General of the Bayelsa Electricity Regulatory Agency, Rosalyn Dressman, says the BYERA Licensing and Market Entry Regulations 2026 are designed to attract investment, protect consumers, and establish a credible state electricity market under the Bayelsa State Electricity Law 2025.

Speaking during a stakeholder review forum in Yenagoa, Dr. Dressman explained that the proposed regulations go beyond administrative procedures.

“These regulations are a fundamental tool for attracting investment,” she said. “They also protect consumers, regularize the participation of existing operators, and create a credible state electricity market.”

She stated that the engagement session focused on the rationale behind the regulations, their scope, and how they are expected to support the growth of Bayelsa’s electricity sector.

According to her, the draft framework also outlines the institutional support required from government ministries, departments and agencies, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation.

Dr. Dressman added that the framework seeks to formalize the operations of existing market players while creating clear pathways for new entrants into the electricity market.

Also speaking at the forum, Chairman of BYERA, Austin Adigio, said the stakeholders’ engagement was aimed at developing rules that are fair, transparent, and aligned with present economic realities.

Adigio noted that the proposed regulations are intended to protect consumers, encourage fair competition, and allow innovation to flourish without creating unnecessary barriers to entry.

According to him, the regulations could determine whether local entrepreneurs in Yenagoa are able to launch electricity-related products and whether foreign investors consider Bayelsa’s power market viable.

He emphasized that the consultation was not merely ceremonial, urging stakeholders to critically review the draft regulations, identify gaps, and point out any unintended consequences.

Adigio assured participants that contributions from the engagement would be documented, analyzed, and reflected in the final draft before approval.

He called for constructive discussions, describing the forum as an important opportunity to shape regulations that would benefit both the public and investors in Bayelsa’s electricity sector.

By Francis Wilfred

Justice Maryann Anineh of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, has revoked the bail earlier granted to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, and issued a bench warrant for his arrest following his absence in court during his ongoing criminal trial.

Mamman has reportedly remained out of circulation since he was convicted on May 7, 2026, by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering involving ₦33.8 billion.

The former minister, alongside seven others, is also being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission before Justice Anineh on a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, and intent to defraud to the tune of ₦31 billion.

During proceedings, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, informed the court that Mamman was absent and that no explanation had been provided either by the defendant or his legal team. He noted that no reason was also given for Mamman’s absence during his conviction before Justice Omotosho on May 7.

Responding, defence counsel, Femi Atteh, SAN, argued that it was the responsibility of the prosecution to produce the defendant in court following his conviction and the earlier bench warrant issued against him.

Oyedepo subsequently urged the court to continue with the trial in Mamman’s absence, citing Section 352(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

In her ruling, Justice Anineh granted the prosecution’s requests, revoked Mamman’s bail, and issued a bench warrant compelling his appearance at the next adjourned date.

The court further ruled that the trial would continue in his absence in line with Section 352 of the ACJA 2015.

The matter was adjourned till May 14, 2026, for continuation of trial.

By Francis Wilfred 

Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, has fixed June 2, 2026, for ruling on the bail application filed by Felix Njoku, one of the defendants standing trial in the alleged ₦2.04 billion money laundering case involving officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

Njoku, a former Director of Finance of the NRC, is being prosecuted alongside three other senior officials over alleged fraud and money laundering offences.

At the resumed hearing on Monday, counsel to the first defendant, Mordecai Adejo, informed the court that he had filed a motion for bail dated February 3, 2026, supported by a four-paragraph affidavit and a written address.

Adejo urged the court to allow his client continue enjoying the interim bail earlier granted by the court, arguing that Njoku had complied with all conditions attached to the temporary release.

According to him, the defendant had neither absconded nor violated the court’s directives, adding that he consistently reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) office as required.

The defence counsel further prayed the court to grant bail pending the conclusion of the trial.

Opposing the application, prosecution counsel, Abba Muhammed, SAN, told the court that the EFCC had filed a counter-affidavit and written address against the request.

Muhammed argued that the defence failed to provide sufficient information about the defendant’s family ties in Nigeria, which he said was necessary in determining whether the defendant posed a flight risk.

He further submitted that the anti-graft agency had evidence suggesting that Njoku might abscond if admitted to bail.

The prosecutor also expressed concern that some of the prosecution witnesses were staff of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, where the defendant previously served, warning that he could interfere with witnesses and evidence if released.

Following arguments from both parties, Justice Abike-Fadipe reserved ruling on the application till June 2.

The prosecution thereafter opened its case by calling its first witness, Clement Ngbolu, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank Plc.

Led in evidence by Muhammed, the witness told the court that he had worked with the bank for about 16 years and was responsible for responding to requests from law enforcement agencies.

Ngbolu explained that Zenith Bank received a letter from the EFCC in June 2025 requesting the statement of account of FC Njoku and Company Ltd.

He said the documents were generated from the bank’s system, verified and forwarded to the EFCC.

The prosecution tendered the EFCC’s letter, the bank’s response and account opening documents for the company, which were admitted as exhibits after the defence raised no objection.

The witness identified Njoku Judith Chidima and Njoku Nyaku as signatories to the account and also confirmed several inflows into the account.

Justice Abike-Fadipe subsequently adjourned the matter till May 12, 2026, for continuation of trial.

By Francis Wilfred

Justice Maryanne Anineh of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, has admitted in evidence newspaper publications tendered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele, over the alleged unlawful redesign of the naira.

While leading the eighth prosecution witness, PW8, Jegede Oluwasegun, in his testimony, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, presented certified copies of publications from The Punch, ThisDay, Vanguard, Daily Sun and The Nation newspapers.

The documents reportedly contained reports relating to the alleged unlawful naira redesign, alongside payment receipts for the purchase of the newspapers.

According to Oyedepo, the witness and documents were presented in response to a motion filed by the defence counsel requesting that the prosecution produce all press releases and newspaper publications connected to the alleged unlawful act.

The documents were tendered and admitted in evidence without objection from the defence team.

During cross-examination by defence counsel, Olalekun Ojo, the witness stated that his duties at the National Library were limited to attending to readers’ information needs and certifying newspaper documents.

He further clarified that he was neither the author of the publications nor in a position to speak on the contents of the reports, noting that his role was strictly to certify the newspapers presented before the court.

Emefiele is currently being prosecuted by the EFCC on a four-count charge bordering on the alleged unlawful printing of new naira notes.

From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

Troops of the Nigerian Army on Sunday neutralised a suspected terrorist during a coordinated ambush operation along bandit crossing routes within the Adankolo Forest Reserve in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The operation, carried out under Operation TIGER PAW II, also led to the recovery of arms, ammunition and other items believed to belong to the fleeing criminals.

The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, disclosed this in a press statement, saying troops acted on credible intelligence regarding the movement of suspected terrorists within the area.

According to him, troops of the 12 Brigade Quick Response Group laid an ambush at a suspected crossing point in the early hours of Sunday, May 10, 2026.

He explained that the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, during which one terrorist was killed while others escaped into the surrounding bush with gunshot wounds.

Items recovered after the encounter included two AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated pistol, six magazines and 145 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

Other recovered items were a camouflage bandolier, one Honda motorcycle, Diclofenac medication, three mobile phones, three power banks and the sum of ₦62,900.

Lt. Abdullahi stated that troops were currently combing the forest to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

He added that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to deny terrorists freedom of movement and strengthen security across Kogi State and neighbouring areas.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

A group under the African Climate Reporters has raised concerns over the rapid decline in global honey bee populations, blaming pesticides, climate change, habitat destruction and poor environmental practices for the growing threat to the vital pollinators.

In a statement issued on Monday to mark World Honey Bee Day, the group stressed the crucial role bees play in agriculture, biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

The statement, signed by the Head of Communication and Strategies, Ibrahima Yakubu, noted that honey bees are among the world’s most important pollinators, helping to sustain food production and maintain ecological balance.

According to the group, the excessive use of pesticides and harmful agricultural chemicals remains one of the leading causes of bee population decline, as the substances weaken bees, disrupt their navigation systems and often lead to death.

The statement also identified climate change as a major factor affecting bee survival, explaining that changing weather patterns disrupt flowering seasons and reduce food sources for bees.

ACR further warned that urbanisation, deforestation and land degradation have continued to destroy natural habitats needed for bees to live and reproduce, while diseases and parasites such as the Varroa mite pose additional threats to bee colonies worldwide.

The group said pollution and other harmful environmental practices have worsened conditions for bees, urging governments, farmers, environmental organisations and individuals to take urgent action to reverse the trend.

It called on farmers to embrace environmentally friendly agricultural practices and reduce reliance on harmful pesticides, while governments were urged to introduce stronger policies to protect bee habitats and support sustainable farming.

The statement also encouraged the planting of trees and bee-friendly flowers in homes, schools and communities to provide food and shelter for bees.

ACR emphasised the need for increased public awareness and environmental education on the importance of bees and biodiversity, adding that research institutions should intensify studies on bee diseases and the impacts of climate change.

The group urged individuals to support local beekeepers, reduce pollution and protect natural ecosystems.

“Saving the bees means securing our future, our food systems and the health of our planet,” the statement added.

By Achadu Gabriel, kaduna 

The Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN) has intensified its grassroots peacebuilding efforts with the launch of a renewed peace campaign in Nasarawa and Kakuri communities of Kaduna State. 

The intervention forms part of a six-month programme designed to deepen social cohesion and prevent any resurgence of tensions that have previously strained relations between the neighbouring communities.

The campaign is structured as a multi-stakeholder engagement, bringing together religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, and women associations. 

It is focused on promoting dialogue, strengthening early warning systems, and encouraging non-violent communication as practical tools for sustaining peace at the community level.

Speaking during the intervention, the Country Director of GPFN, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, explained that the initiative became necessary in response to earlier misunderstandings between the two communities. 

He asserted that peacebuilding must remain proactive rather than reactive, especially in areas with histories of tension.

“Nasarawa and Kakuri are neighboring communities. A few months ago, there was tension and confusion due to certain differences,” he said. 

“As peace advocates, we feel we should not allow a repeat of that, so we introduced a programme to promote social cohesion.” he said

Rev. Hayab further disclosed that the intervention was developed in close collaboration with traditional institutions in the area. 

According to him, consultations were held with the chiefs of both Nasarawa and Kakuri communities, who jointly agreed to host the stakeholders’ engagement as a demonstration of unity and commitment to peace.

“We requested the chief of Nasarawa to come, and he reached out to the chief of Kakuri, and they agreed to host us in one place to show willingness for peace intervention,” he added.

He emphasized that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without deliberate efforts to improve communication among residents. 

According to him, most communal disputes are often worsened by poor dialogue, misinterpretation of intentions, and unresolved grievances that are allowed to linger.

“When people begin to respect each other and learn how to speak to one another, the possibility of tension like what we experienced months ago will not come,” he said.

Community leaders at the event also commended the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary for sustaining unity between the two neighbouring communities. 

They reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence and pledged continued collaboration with peace actors working in the area.

Represented by Yusuf Muhammad Yunus, the Sarkin Nasarawa, Mr. Adam A. Adam, described the area as a cosmopolitan community where Christians and Muslims have lived together peacefully over the years. 

He noted that although there were recent disturbances, they have been addressed through dialogue and mutual understanding, while calling for continuous efforts to sustain peace.

“We had a small crisis between Christians and Muslims, but now the community is settled,” he said.

Also speaking, Reverend Garba Samaila Sani, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Nasarawa zone, and Mallam Muhammed Akilu of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), emphasized the critical role of religious leaders in promoting peace through constant sensitisation and community education. 

They added that both faiths remain united in their commitment to peaceful coexistence.

While pledging continued collaboration, they stressed that peace remains the foundation for development and progress in any society, warning that no meaningful growth can take place in an atmosphere of conflict or division.

The Global Peace Foundation Nigeria reiterated that the campaign is aimed at expanding her One Family Under God campaign for entrenching lasting harmony between the communities and preventing any recurrence of violence, noting that peace remains a critical driver of stability, development, and social progress in Kaduna State. 

By Jabiru Hassan

The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) monitoring team has commended the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and other stakeholders for what it described as a well-coordinated and seamless airlift of pilgrims from Bauchi State zone for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

In a statement issued to newsmen, the team said it observed a high level of dedication and organisation from the Hajj camp to the airport throughout the exercise. It noted that officials maintained order and efficiency, ensuring the smooth movement of pilgrims during departures.

The IHR particularly praised the Executive Secretary of the board, Imam AbdulRahaman, for his hands-on leadership, stating that he consistently remained with the pilgrims and personally accompanied them to the point of boarding without missing any stage of the airlift.

The monitoring team also commended the efforts of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria zonal officials in Bauchi, describing their level of coordination and commitment as remarkable.

According to the team, the use of uniforms, identification tags and clearly defined roles by Bauchi officials enhanced coordination and made it easier for pilgrims to identify and seek assistance from relevant personnel.

Operational data from the airlift showed steady progress over several days. On May 6, Umza flight UY3507 departed Bauchi to Madinah with 481 pilgrims from Plateau State, bringing total airlifts to 6,493 across 15 flights.

On May 7, two flights — UY3509 and UY3511 — transported a combined 958 pilgrims, including contingents from Bauchi and Plateau states, raising the total to 10,576 pilgrims across 25 flights.

Subsequent operations recorded further progress, with flight UY3513 on May 8 airlifting 479 pilgrims, while flight UY3515 on May 9 conveyed 485 pilgrims from Bauchi State. By May 10, flight UY3517 departed with 476 pilgrims, including one pilgrim from Jigawa State.

Cumulatively, a total of 16,932 pilgrims had been airlifted in 40 flights as of May 10, reflecting what the IHR described as a highly efficient and coordinated exercise.