Author: Naija Daily News

Photo: Governor Monday Okpebholo Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have demanded up to 100 million naira for the release of eight people abducted from a hotel in Edo State, a traditional ruler said on Monday, underscoring Nigeria’s persistent insecurity in rural communities. The Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Obajoye, confirmed the development to newsmen in a telephone chat. Speaking via telephone, the monarch said the victims, who were all indigenes of Imoga, were seized late on Friday night at Star Boy Hotel along the Imoga–Ibillo road in Edo North. He said the group had travelled to nearby Ibillo for…

…Kano on lockdown as APC flag, Tinubu’s logo emerge There was tension in Kano State on Monday following Governor Abba Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), according to witnesses and government sources. The governor, our findings revealed, is set to fly out for a strategic meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is current on an official visit to the Middle East. Yusuf, who won the 2023 governorship election on the platform of the NNPP, had been embroiled in a leadership tussle with his estranged godfather and former Governor of…

Photo: Sikiru Adetona, late Awujale of Ijebuland By Festus Ebinone, Lagos At least 94 princes and one princess from the Fusengbuwa ruling house have indicated interest in the vacant Awujale of Ijebuland stool in Ogun State, following the death of the monarch, palace sources said on Monday. The stool became vacant after the death of Sikiru Adetona on July 13, 2025. Adetona reigned for 65 years. The aspirants emerged at a nomination meeting held at Bisrod Hall in the Government Reserved Area of Ijebu Ode, where members of the Fusengbuwa ruling house formally presented candidates for the throne. The meeting…

One of Nigeria’s longest serving monarchs, the Oba of Badagry, Babatunde Akran, Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, has died at the age of 89, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said on Monday. Oba Akran, who reigned for about 49 years, was also the Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu described the monarch’s death as a major loss to Badagry, Lagos State and Nigeria. He said the late monarch was widely respected for his leadership, commitment to preserving cultural heritage and…

Six members of a family, including four children and their parents, have died in Rivers State in what police say may be a case of generator fume poisoning, sparking shock and fear in the community. The incident occurred in Ogale community, Eleme Local Government Area, where the family reportedly went to bed on Saturday night but were found dead in their room on Sunday. A community source, Obarilomate, said the family failed to wake up in the morning, triggering panic among neighbours. He said the victims were believed to have left their power generator running inside the parlour overnight. The…

File image: Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju What began as an ordinary outing for 25-year-old Rita Eleonu ended in a forest along the East–West Road in Rivers State, where her young life was violently cut short after her family had already paid for her freedom. Rita, a native of Rumuekini community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, was allegedly lured on December 13, 2025, by people she trusted to the Rumuakunde axis of Emohua. Unknown to her family, the invitation was a trap. Police say she was kidnapped by a gang led by 26-year-old Goodnews Iberi and taken into…

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a suspected drug dealer and five alleged thugs during an operation at Jaoji Quarters in the Kano metropolis. The command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Monday, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking and related crimes in the state. According to Haruna, the operation was carried out on January 10 by officers attached to the Jaoji Police Division under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, in line with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s nationwide…

Real Madrid on Monday announced the departure of head coach Xabi Alonso by mutual consent, following the club’s defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final against rivals Barcelona. In a statement, the Spanish giants said both parties agreed to end Alonso’s tenure as first-team coach, bringing his short spell at the helm to a close just months after his appointment. “Real Madrid announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his tenure as first-team coach to an end,” the club said. Alonso, who took charge in June after replacing veteran coach…

Suspected bandits have attacked a wedding convoy in Unguwar Nagunda community, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing at least two people and injuring several others, including the bride. The attack occurred on Sunday night as the wedding party was moving through the community. An unspecified number of guests were also abducted during the incident, according to local sources. A security source confirmed on Monday that the assailants stormed the area, firing gunshots sporadically and causing widespread panic among residents. “As of this morning, families are still trying to confirm how many people were abducted,” the source said. Efforts…

Two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have withdrawn their support for the ongoing impeachment move against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, urging their colleagues to pursue dialogue and an amicable resolution of the political crisis in the state. The lawmakers, Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo, Minority Leader of the 10th Assembly and representative of Omuma State Constituency, and Hon. Peter Abbey, who represents Degema State Constituency, announced their decision during a joint press briefing in Port Harcourt. Addressing journalists, Nwankwo acknowledged that the House had already issued a notice of impeachment against the governor and his deputy. However,…