Author: Naija Daily News

Operatives of Ondo State Police Command have arrested a community head of Laaagba community, Ondo East Local Government area of Ondo State, Chief Adeniyi Ifedayo, for alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl. The suspect allegedly lured the victim to his house, camped her for weeks, and harassed her sexually. Narrating her ordeal, the victim, who is hospitalized, said she was lured to the suspect’s house by a commercial motorcycle rider. According to her, ‘The Baale kept me in his house for two weeks and fed me with pap while he assaulted me sexually daily. “My parents became worried about my…

A High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced gospel musician Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, 24-year-old Salome Adaidu. Justice Simon Aboki delivered the verdict on Thursday, finding Ajayi guilty of culpable homicide following months of legal proceedings. Ajayi was convicted under Section 221 of the Penal Code applicable in Northern Nigeria, which mandates the death penalty for culpable homicide. “The evidence before the court clearly shows that the accused intentionally caused the death of the deceased. The law is clear on this, and the punishment is death. Therefore, the accused is hereby…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially signed four key tax reform bills into law, marking a significant step toward overhauling Nigeria’s tax system. The signing took place on Thursday at the State House in Abuja, with representatives from various branches of government in attendance. The newly enacted legislation includes the Nigerian Tax Law, the Nigerian Tax Administration Law, the National Revenue Service (Establishment) Law, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Law. Speaking earlier on Thursday, President Tinubu highlighted the purpose of the reforms, stating that they aim to unify Nigeria’s fragmented tax framework, eliminate duplication, boost investor confidence, and ensure…

The Lagos State Government has refuted claims of involvement in the us demolition of a property allegedly owned by the brother of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate. Peter Obi had earlier alleged that a building owned by his younger brother’s company in Ikeja, Lagos, was unlawfully demolished. According to him, the structure had stood for over 15 years before unidentified individuals tore it down, citing a vague court judgment that neither mentioned his brother nor authorized any demolition. Obi recounted, “This morning, my youngest brother called me in distress, saying that some individuals had stormed his company’s…

By Deborah Nnamdi The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has declared the Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency seat in Ogun State vacant. This development follows the passing of the former Deputy Chief Whip, Adewunmi Onanuga, who died on January 15, 2025, after a brief illness. Speaking on Wednesday, Speaker Abbas stated that the decision was made in accordance with Section 68(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Following this declaration, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to announce a date for bye-elections to fill all vacant seats in both the National and State Assemblies. Currently, there…

By Deborah Nnamdi The Nigerian Army announced on Wednesday that its troops, engaged in anti-banditry operations in Niger State, successfully repelled a terrorist assault on Bangi community in Mariga Local Government Area, neutralizing numerous insurgents in the process. According to Lieutenant Colonel Apolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the operation was conducted in coordination with the Nigerian Air Force’s air component. Over 300 armed bandits were intercepted and engaged in Kwanar Dutse Forest during a fierce confrontation. “Tragically, seventeen courageous soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice during the battle, while ten others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” she said.…

Photo: NATO Defence Spending yet to get Trump’s nod NATO is set to formally endorse a new defence spending target of 5% of GDP, marking a major strategic shift as member states respond to escalating threats from Russia and concerns over long-term US commitment. The announcement of the latest NATO defence spending comes during a high-stakes summit in The Hague, where leaders from the 32-member alliance have gathered to strengthen their collective security posture. The proposed benchmark would replace NATO’s current 2% target, which has guided alliance defence budgets for over a decade. Under the new formula, 3.5% of GDP…

By Deborah Nnamdi With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, no fewer than 110 political associations have formally approached the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking registration as political parties. INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this on Wednesday during the Commission’s second regular consultative meeting with media executives in Abuja. Among the applicants is the Movement of the People (MOP), spearheaded by Seun Kuti, son of the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Other groups include the La Riba Multipurpose Cooperative Society—submitted by Suwaiba Bello Abdullahi, which currently has no acronym or logo; the All Democratic Alliance (ADA),…

By Deborah Nnamdi The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally reinstated Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary, bringing an end to months of internal disputes and uncertainty over leadership. Announcing the decision at a press conference on Wednesday, PDP Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum confirmed that Anyanwu would resume his duties. He emphasized that the move reflects the NWC’s commitment to upholding party unity and adhering to the rule of law. Anyanwu, a former senator representing Imo East, was originally elected as National Secretary during the PDP’s 2021 National Convention. However, his position…

Photo: Atiku Loses Waziri Adamawa Title Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been stripped of his traditional title by the Adamawa State Government, a move raising concerns of political retaliation and executive overreach ahead of the 2027 elections. The Adamawa State Government has revoked the title of Waziri Adamawa previously held by Atiku Abubakar, citing a revised indigeneship policy that disqualifies him from holding emirate council positions. The decision, conveyed in an official circular dated 20 June 2025 and signed by the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs’ Permanent Secretary, Adama Felicity Mamman, is part of a broader restructuring of traditional…