NEWS

The Edo State Government has moved to facilitate the release of bona fide students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) who were remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre following a protest against rising kidnappings in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area. The students were among 52 individuals detained in connection with last week’s unrest, which erupted over concerns about frequent kidnappings and the recent killing of a local youth. Governor Monday Okpebholo has tasked the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, with overseeing the release process, ensuring that only genuine AAU students are freed. Speaking to journalists at Ubiaja Correctional Centre, Dr. Iyamu assured that once all necessary procedures are completed, the legitimate students would be released without de...

Kano remained calm on Monday, December 12, though with a visible increase in security presence, following Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Neither the governor, his aides nor the state government issued any official statement confirming the development, and a formal ceremony expected to herald his move did not take place as earlier scheduled. Nigerian Events Calendar Governor Yusuf was absent from the Government House when political aides were observed removing NNPP flags at the main entrance and replacing them with the Nigerian Green-White-Green national flag. The NNPP flag at the Deputy Governor’s Office was also taken down. Some aides were seen walking around the Government Hous...

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Goodnews Iberi, from Rumuakunde Community in Emohua Local Government Area, in connection with the kidnapping and killing of Rita Special Eleonu, a 25-year-old woman from Rumuekini Community in Obio/Akpor LGA. According to the police, the incident was reported on December 29, 2025, by the victim’s brother. Investigations revealed that on December 13, 2025, Iberi and four accomplices, who are currently at large, allegedly lured Rita to the Rumuakunde area of Emohua, where she was kidnapped and taken to a forest along the East–West Road. The suspects reportedly collected a ransom of ₦210,000 from the victim’s family before killing her. Following credible intelligence, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua ann...

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has approved the posting of CSP Tomofe Nwabueze as the new Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ekpoma in Esan West Local Government Area. Nwabueze replaces the former DPO, Nelson Igbinoba, who was redeployed after violent protests erupted in the town within the Edo Central Senatorial District. The appointment takes immediate effect. The development was confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday by the Edo State Police Command spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, who explained that the decision followed ongoing security assessments and strategic repositioning aimed at restoring peace in Ekpoma. According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police ordered a reorganisation of the Ekpoma Division as part of efforts to strengthen security...

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed profound grief over the kidnapping and murder of a young man in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred on Friday, January 9, 2026, reportedly sparked fear and outrage among residents, especially students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. In a post on his verified X account on Monday, the governor described the killing as “tragic and heartbreaking” and extended condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and the entire Ekpoma community. “I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the kidnapping and killing of a young man in Ekpoma on Friday, January 9, 2026. This tragic incident is heartbreaking, and I extend my sincere condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and the entire Ekpoma community durin...

A Swiss court has ordered the co-owner of a bar in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana to remain in custody following a deadly fire that killed 40 people on New Year’s Day. In a statement issued Monday, the court said Jacques Moretti would be held for an initial provisional period of three months. However, the detention could be reviewed if steps are taken to reduce the risk of flight, including the payment of a security deposit. Prosecutors in the canton of Valais had ordered Moretti’s detention on Friday after a lengthy hearing involving him and his wife, Jessica Moretti, who jointly own the bar where the fire broke out. Lawyers for Jessica Moretti said the ruling leaves room for her husband’s release once the court’s conditions are met. They said the court took into acc...

The United States has delivered military supplies to Nigerian security agencies in support of ongoing operations in the country. The United States Africa Command, AFRICOM, announced the delivery in a post on X on Tuesday. “US forces delivered critical military supplies to our Nigerian partners in Abuja. This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasizes our shared security partnership,” AFRICOM said on X. Nigeria in recent times has faced an upsurge of insecurity, with hundreds being kidnapped. US forces launched airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in North-West Nigeria on Christmas Day.