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The Nigeria Police Force command in Ekiti State has dismissed a police sergeant, Osayingbemi Temitope, following an internal disciplinary process linked to alleged illicit drug use.

Command spokesperson Sunday Abutu disclosed the development in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti, saying the officer was seen in a viral video allegedly behaving erratically in Ikole-Ekiti on May 9.

According to the police, the officer was immediately subjected to medical and psychological assessments, alongside internal disciplinary procedures. The command said the psychological evaluation found him emotionally stable, while medical tests reportedly detected traces of tobacco and amphetamine.

Abutu added that the officer later admitted to taking illicit substances during the investigation.

Following the completion of disciplinary proceedings, the officer was found culpable of misconduct and recommended for dismissal, a decision the command said has now taken immediate effect.

The police reiterated their commitment to discipline and professionalism, stating that misconduct and actions capable of damaging the image of the force would not be tolerated.

Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Falade Micheal, also urged officers to uphold accountability, integrity and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

Former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Prof. Ali Ahmad, has successfully passed the governorship screening exercise conducted by the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC), marking a significant step in his bid to govern Kwara State in the 2027 general elections.
The screening, held at the party’s National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, was conducted in line with the PDP’s internal guidelines and preparatory processes ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle. Prof. Ahmad, who distinguished himself as a former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, sailed through the NWC screening process, further cementing his standing as one of the party’s most credible and experienced aspirants in the state.
His emergence from the exercise has been received with enthusiasm among party loyalists and supporters across Kwara State, who regard him as a tested hand in both governance and party administration. His passage through the rigorous process is widely seen within the party as a strong signal of his readiness for the task ahead.
Speaking on the development, Sa’ad Ayinde, Media Assistant to Prof. Ali Ahmad, described the successful screening as a further validation of Prof. Ahmad’s credentials. “His conduct throughout the process once again reflects his maturity, competence, and unwavering dedication to the unity, progress, and success of the PDP,” Ayinde said.
With a wealth of legislative and public service experience behind him, Prof. Ahmad is increasingly regarded as a formidable contender in the PDP’s plans to reclaim the Kwara State Government House. Political watchers in the state will be keenly observing how his campaign takes shape and whether the PDP can consolidate its structures around his candidacy to mount a credible challenge ahead of 2027.
Signed: Sa’ad Ayinde
Media Assistant to Prof. Ali Ahmad, Former Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly

By Jabiru Hassan

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has commissioned the newly constructed Ihovbor/Benin and Ihovbor/Ajaokuta 330kV Turn-In Turn-Out transmission lines at the Ihovbor Transmission Substation in Edo State, in a move aimed at strengthening national grid capacity and improving electricity evacuation.

The commissioning ceremony, held on May 14, 2026, was described by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, as a major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to improve transmission infrastructure and enhance grid reliability.

According to him, the 14-kilometre double-circuit line connects the existing Benin/Ajaokuta 330kV route to the Ihovbor Substation, creating two additional transmission pathways that improve operational flexibility within the Benin corridor.

“The project has increased the operational flexibility of the transmission network and strengthened the resilience of power delivery within the Benin corridor,” Abdulaziz said.

He explained that the project will improve the evacuation of electricity generated by the Azura Power Plant and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), while reducing transmission bottlenecks and boosting system stability.

Abdulaziz added that the new infrastructure provides an additional 600MW evacuation capacity, allowing distribution companies to access more bulk electricity for consumers nationwide.

He noted that TCN’s role is strictly limited to transmitting electricity from generation companies to distribution load centres.

“Our job is to transmit the power from the generators to the load centres. It is the responsibility of distribution companies to offtake and distribute to customers,” he said.

He further assured that TCN remains committed to expanding transmission infrastructure to meet growing national demand while urging host communities to support the protection of installations against vandalism.

The Managing Director of Energo Nigeria, Predrag Mihel, said the project involved 30 transmission towers and twin Bison conductors capable of supporting up to 1.5GW from the NIPP and Azura power plants.

He attributed the successful completion of the project to strong collaboration between TCN and Energo Nigeria.

Also speaking, TCN’s General Manager, Engineering, Mojid Akintola, said the project was originally awarded in 2017 but faced delays due to right-of-way challenges and funding constraints, which have now been resolved.

He commended the Ihovbor host community, the contractor, and the TCN management team for ensuring the project’s completion.

The General Manager of the Benin Region, Charles Iwuamadi, said the project adds over 600MW of wheeling capacity to the region, while reiterating that TCN operates strictly as a bulk electricity transporter and does not distribute power directly to end users.

Representing the Enogie of Ihovbor/Evbueka, Elliot Imafido, commended TCN for the project but appealed for increased employment opportunities for indigenes and improved electricity supply to the host community.

By Israel Adamu, Jos

Stakeholders from Garkawa District in Plateau State’s Mikang Local Government Area have unanimously adopted Mr. Timdi Nkat as their consensus candidate for the State House of Assembly seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The stakeholders also declared support for the re-election bid of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, describing his administration as unifying and deserving of continuity.

The decision was reached during a well-attended meeting held on Thursday, bringing together political leaders, traditional rulers, elders, youth groups, women leaders, and party members from Youm, Tehl, and Piapung districts.

Participants described the gathering as historic, noting that it represents a major step toward political alignment and unity in Mikang ahead of the party primaries.

Presenting the position of the Youm stakeholders forum, former State Auditor, Ishaku Fanto, said the choice of Timdi Nkat followed extensive consultations involving the Mwo Youm of Garkawa, council of chiefs, political stakeholders, and community leaders.

Fanto explained that the consensus was based on principles of fairness, equity, justice, and inclusive representation, adding that Youm District remains the only major district in Mikang yet to produce a member of the Plateau State House of Assembly.

He argued that it was only fair for the district to be given the opportunity to occupy the legislative seat.

Fanto also reaffirmed the district’s commitment to Governor Mutfwang’s re-election, pledging continued political support.

A former member of the House of Representatives for Mikang/Shendam/Qua’an Pan Federal Constituency, Innocent Tirsel, also spoke at the meeting, stressing that zoning arrangements—though unwritten—remain essential for fairness, peaceful coexistence, and balanced political representation.

He noted that after Piapung District held the State Assembly seat for 16 years and currently occupies the chairmanship of Mikang Local Government, it would be unjust for any group to retain both positions.

According to him, political parties seeking peace and electoral success must embrace equity and allow power rotation among districts.

Former Chairman of Mikang Local Government and ex-member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Isa Kungwai, warned against actions that could undermine unity and long-standing political arrangements in the area.

He said Mikang’s strength lies in its tradition of mutual respect and collective decision-making, urging stakeholders to avoid personal ambitions capable of destabilising peace.

Also speaking, former Director-General of PEPSA, Nuhu Longpes, described Timdi Nkat’s emergence as a reflection of the collective will of the people, achieved through broad consultation and political maturity.

He said the decision demonstrated inclusiveness and a shared commitment to strengthening Mikang’s political influence in Plateau State.

Former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, George Daika, who spoke on behalf of Piapung stakeholders, urged political actors to prioritise unity over individual ambition.

He commended the stakeholders for embracing dialogue and consensus-building, noting that sustainable political progress depends on fairness, inclusion, and mutual respect.

The meeting was attended by several notable figures, including the Chairman of the Plateau State Civil Service Commission, Prof. Paul Wai; former Transition Committee Chairman, Hon. Magdaline Bagudu; former Executive Secretary, Emmanuel Taukek; Barr. Chasil Drenkat; councillors; as well as youth and women representatives.

The event concluded with a solidarity march to the Mikang Local Government Secretariat, where the resolutions were formally presented to the council chairman.

Stakeholders reiterated their call for unity and equity, reaffirming Timdi Nkat as the consensus choice for the 2027 House of Assembly race.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations (JACON) has accused governors in Northern Nigeria of neglecting workers despite increased federal allocations to states following the removal of fuel subsidy.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, May 14, 2026, the group alleged that the 19 northern states had received significantly higher revenues since the subsidy removal but failed to improve workers’ welfare or address worsening economic hardship.

The statement, signed by JACON’s National Director of Public and Strategic Communication, Muhammed Isa, and Secretary General, Raphael Terkolar, criticised governors for allegedly refusing to implement a ₦150,000 minimum wage and clear outstanding salary arrears.

According to the group, the failure of state governments to improve wages has deepened poverty and weakened economic stability across the region.

JACON claimed that monthly allocations to northern states from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) had either doubled or tripled since fuel subsidy removal, but alleged that much of the increased revenue had been lost to opaque spending, inflated contracts, and recurrent expenditures.

“Official data from state treasuries and the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee show that monthly allocations to northern states have doubled or tripled since subsidy removal,” the statement said.

The coalition alleged that many workers across the region continue to endure low wages, unpaid salary arrears, and delayed pension deductions despite rising government revenues.

According to JACON, the situation has contributed to growing poverty, declining purchasing power, and increased social hardship among workers and their families.

The group further linked the wage crisis to rising malnutrition, school dropouts, reduced access to healthcare, and worsening insecurity in parts of Northern Nigeria.

“When workers see revenue but no relief, faith in democratic institutions collapses, leading to voter apathy or violent rejection of the state,” the statement added.

JACON warned that widespread poverty among workers could also fuel recruitment into criminal activities such as banditry and kidnapping.

The group outlined four key demands to northern governors and lawmakers, including the immediate implementation of a ₦150,000 minimum wage backdated to the period of subsidy removal.

It also demanded the clearance of all salary arrears and pension deductions within 90 days, monthly publication of FAAC allocations and welfare expenditures, and the establishment of a State Workers’ Welfare Trust Fund financed with at least 30 per cent of subsidy-related revenue increases.

With future elections approaching, JACON said it would mobilise voters across northern states to reject governors and lawmakers who fail to prioritise workers’ welfare.

“Our message to every worker, trader, and farmer in northern Nigeria is simple: your vote is your only weapon. Reject any governor or lawmaker who received increased revenue yet refused to pay a ₦150,000 minimum wage or prioritise your welfare,” the statement said.

From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Academic Board of Kogi State Polytechnic has approved the withdrawal of 229 students over poor academic performance.

The decision was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the institution’s Acting Coordinator of Public Relations and Protocols, John Amos Onimisi.

According to the statement, the decision followed the approval of the first semester results for the 2025/2026 academic session.

Onimisi explained that the resolution was reached during the Academic Board meeting held on May 12, 2026, and chaired by the Rector of the institution, Salihu Sanusi Avidime.

The meeting was attended by principal officers, deans, heads of departments, and other members of the Academic Board, who deliberated on academic matters affecting the institution.

“The meeting had in attendance Principal Officers, Deans, Heads of Departments, and other members of the Academic Board, who deliberated extensively on academic matters concerning the institution,” the statement said.

According to the institution, the approval of the results followed a rigorous verification exercise conducted by the Academic Board Central Results Verification Committee.

Onimisi noted that the committee’s report served as a major guide in the board’s deliberations and final decisions regarding the results.

He added that the rector commended members of the committee for their diligence, professionalism, and commitment throughout the verification process.

The statement further stated that the committee’s efforts had continued to strengthen academic integrity and uphold educational standards within the polytechnic.

The Academic Board maintained that the withdrawal of the affected students was necessary to preserve academic excellence and maintain the quality and credibility of certificates issued by the institution.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Ememabasi Bassey, has appealed to doctors and the leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to suspend the ongoing industrial action at the hospital, warning that continued disruption of medical services could endanger patients’ lives.

Prof. Bassey made the appeal during a press conference in Uyo on Wednesday while reacting to Tuesday’s controversial operation by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the hospital over an investigation involving an alleged fake medical report.

Tension erupted at the hospital on Tuesday, May 12, after armed EFCC operatives reportedly stormed the facility in an attempt to arrest Eyo Ekpe, following delays in authenticating a medical report linked to an ongoing EFCC investigation.

The incident triggered protests by doctors and hospital workers, who accused the operatives of invading the hospital with armed personnel, firing tear gas, and assaulting staff members, leading to a shutdown of medical services.

Reports from the hospital indicated that shortly after the incident and the subsequent stop-work action by medical personnel, a middle-aged man allegedly died at the Accident and Emergency Unit, causing panic among patients and relatives.

Speaking on the development, Prof. Bassey urged unions and healthcare workers to consider the condition of patients who rely on the hospital for treatment.

“I want to appeal to the leadership of the NMA and the unions to consider the lives of innocent patients who may lose their lives if left unattended. The stoppage of work does not benefit the perpetrators of the act in any way,” he said.

The CMD described UUTH as the only publicly accessible federal tertiary health institution in Akwa Ibom State, noting that the facility attends to between 600 and 800 patients daily.

According to him, the crisis began after the EFCC requested authentication of a medical report allegedly issued by the hospital in respect of a suspect under investigation.

Prof. Bassey said internal investigations later revealed that the document was fake and had been issued using an outdated hospital letterhead. He added that the doctor whose name appeared on the report was not attached to the department listed in the document.

“We discovered that some actors had opened a fake folder with no official documentation and issued a fake medical report,” he stated.

The CMD further disclosed that Prof. Ekpe had already prepared a draft response confirming the report was fake before EFCC operatives allegedly stormed his office and attempted to arrest him.

“At no point did the operatives formally notify hospital management or present any arrest warrant before attempting to drag out a professor from his office,” Bassey alleged.

While acknowledging the EFCC’s anti-corruption mandate, the CMD urged security agencies to observe professionalism and proper rules of engagement when operating within health institutions.

“This hospital is a place of last resort for millions of citizens. It is a hallowed ground, not a place for violent operations that could endanger patients and healthcare workers,” he added.

Also speaking, Prof. Ekpe alleged that he was forcibly dragged from his office by armed operatives despite informing them that he neither authored the medical report nor was a suspect in the investigation.

He further claimed that some hospital workers sustained injuries during the operation as panic spread across the facility following the alleged firing of tear gas and gunshots.