NEWS

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday called for the immediate release of 52 individuals who were remanded in prison following a protest against kidnapping in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, which reportedly turned violent.Most of the detainees, primarily students, were held at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre after the Edo State Criminal Court II in Benin City declined jurisdiction over the matter.In a statement, the PDP’s State Publicity Secretary, Dan Osa-Ogbegie Esq., accused the All Progressives Congress-led state government of orchestrating the arrests and remand. He further claimed that Ekpoma has been left vulnerable to kidnappers and violent criminals, leaving residents living in fear as attacks reportedly continue unchecked.Osa-O...

The United States Department of State has withdrawn more than 100,000 visas, including thousands granted to students and specialised professionals, citing encounters with law enforcement linked to criminal activity.In a statement shared on its official X account on Monday, the department revealed that over 8,000 student visas and about 2,500 specialised visas were among those revoked.According to the department, “The State Department has now revoked over 100,000 visas, including some 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialised visas for individuals who had encounters with U.S. law enforcement for criminal activity.”The visa cancellations, the department said, are part of ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and strictly enforce U.S. immigration laws. It reaffirmed its stance,...

The Edo State High Court, Criminal Court 2, has ordered the remand of several youths arrested during the recent protest in Ekpoma at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre.The decision followed an application by the prosecution requesting a 14-day remand period. Emotional scenes were witnessed in court as some of the detained protesters and their relatives broke down in tears while those arrested were escorted into a waiting vehicle.The protest, which took place over the weekend, was sparked by growing concerns over kidnapping and other security challenges in Ekpoma, located in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. Viral videos circulating online showed residents demonstrating against rising cases of abduction and killings in the Edo Central region, with some individuals reportedly...

The Akran of Badagry, Oba De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, the revered traditional ruler of the historic Badagry Kingdom in Lagos State, has died at the age of 89.According to reports, the monarch passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2026, following a brief illness. His death has plunged Badagry and many parts of Lagos State into mourning, as he was widely regarded as a symbol of stability and wisdom.Oba Menu-Toyi I ascended the throne on April 23, 1977, ruling for 48 years—one of the longest reigns by any traditional ruler in Lagos State. Throughout his tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural, social, and traditional life of Badagry and surrounding communities.Born on September 18, 1936, the late monarch had a distinguished career before his coronation. He worked as ...