Pastor Tunde Bakare, the founder of Citadel Global Community Church, has offered his prayers and well wishes for Nigeria following a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos on Wednesday, June 4, News360 Nigeria reports.
Addressing reporters after the closed-door session, Bakare declined to disclose the details of their conversation, noting that what was discussed would remain between them.
“What transpired in my discussion with him stayed with me and him. God guiding him and giving him wisdom will help this nation not slide or go down the drain,” Pastor Bakare stated.
The fiery preacher, who once contested alongside Muhammadu Buhari as a vice-presidential candidate in the 2011 election, recently advised the Tinubu istration to urgently roll out coordinated interventions to steer the country away from its growing difficulties.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday received the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, at his private residence in Lagos, News360 Nigeria reports.
Also present at the visit was business magnate Chief Adedeji Adeleke and globally recognised Afrobeats star, David Adeleke, better known as Davido.
Governor Adeleke confirmed the visit on his official X handle, writing:
"This evening, alongside the scion of the Adeleke dynasty, my big brother, Dr. Deji Adeleke, and my nephew, whom we are immensely proud of, David Adeleke, popularly known as @davido, we paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Lagos residence ahead of the Sallah celebration."
News360 Nigeria recalls that Davido, along with of his team including Cubana Chief Priest, had earlier visited President Tinubu at Aso Rock days before this latest meeting.
The visit, coming ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election where Tinubu’s party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), is expected to challenge Governor Adeleke, has stirred conversations in political circles.
Photos from the courtesy visit, first shared by Presidential aide Daddy D.O (@DOlusegun) on X, captured the President warmly receiving Davido, his father, and Governor Adeleke in what appeared to be a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday held a private meeting with suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, at his residence in Lagos, marking their first official engagement since the political crisis that led to the imposition of Emergency Rule in the state, News360 Nigeria reports.
The meeting comes months after President Tinubu, on March 18, 2025, dissolved the elected government in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the entire House of Assembly, over rising insecurity and a breakdown of governance.
In the wake of the decision, Vice iral Ibok Ete Ibas (rtd), a former Chief of Naval Staff, was named Sole for an initial six-month tenure to stabilise the state.
Since his removal from office, Governor Fubara has maintained a low profile but recently voiced public for President Tinubu’s intervention, calling it “the right call at the right time” to restore calm to the troubled state.
In an address to Rivers people last week, Fubara assured them that the Emergency Rule would soon be lifted and promised to return to office alongside his officials.
Interestingly, the governor also hinted at a reconciliation with his political mentor and Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, whose long-standing feud with Fubara had contributed to the unrest in Rivers.
However, Wike, speaking at a media briefing on Monday, disclosed that President Tinubu did not consult him before declaring the Emergency Rule.
The former Rivers governor said if he had been notified, he would not have endorsed such a move.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has commenced the payment of arrears to eligible corps across the country, News360 Nigeria reports.
This follows an earlier assurance by the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, who had promised that corps would not be excluded from the ₦77,000 monthly allowance recently approved by the Federal Government.
Brigadier General Nafiu made the assurance in April 2025 during the Batch A 2025 Pre-Mobilisation Workshop held in Abuja for heads of corps-producing institutions and other key stakeholders.
At the event, the NYSC boss stated, “Once funds are released to us to offset the arrears, we will pay them. Even our corps who ed out recently will benefit. Once we receive cash backing for the arrears, we are going to credit them; we have their bank details. Nigerians should not worry about that because the government is both responsible and responsive to their needs.”
True to that promise, corps have now begun receiving payments of the owed arrears, marking a relief for many who had eagerly awaited the funds since the increment in their monthly allowance was announced.
No fewer than 15 parishes in Makurdi Catholic Diocese have been shut down following the incessant attacks on communities within the diocese by suspected armed herders, News360 Nigeria reports.
This was disclosed on Sunday by the Chairman of Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests Association, Makurdi Diocese, Rev. Fr. Joseph Beba, while addressing journalists at the Catholic Cathedral, Makurdi, on the devastating effects of suspected herders’ attacks on the state and the church as a whole.
The priest who listed communities attacked in the past two weeks to include Tse Orbiam, Ahume, Jimba, Nagi-Camp, Aondoana, Yelewata, and Abegana, said that over 50 people, including women and children, were killed.
Fr Beba alleged that the spike in attacks and killings in the past two weeks in the state, particularly, Gwer West LGA, was not unconnected to the Makurdi Catholic bishop’s testimony in the US and Europe on the systematic persecution of Christians in Benue and Nigeria.
The priest accused the military and other security operatives deployed to the state of not tackling the escalating insecurity, stressing that some of the attacks were carried out a few meters away from the military checkpoints.
The Rev Fr said, “More than 15 parishes have been shut down because the host communities have been sacked. Communities like Jiba, Mabalom Yelwata, and Aondona that were sacked by armed herders, the parishioners, and the priests are no longer there, all these are in Makurdi diocese.
He added, “We have observed with dismay the low energy displayed by our Nigerian army stationed at some of these affected areas. We also regret to say that their inability to stop the attacks or go after the terrorists betrays professionalism, and this speaks of complicity.
“The attack and shooting of Revd Fr. Solomon Atongo on the 24th May 2025 took place 3 Kilometers away from Naka, and less than 500meters away from the army check point at Tse Orbiam, and another one later, on the community itself without any help or intervention from the army despite several cries for help from the villagers.
“These attacks are a direct attack on Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and the Catholic Church he represents. We believe they were coordinated in response to the bishop’s testimony in the US and Europe on the systematic persecution of Christians in Benue and Nigeria.
While calling on President Bola Tinubu and the state governor, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to declare war on the armed herders, stating that the state governor had already identified the killers as non-Nigerians.
The priest also called on youths in the state “to be prepared to defend their faith, their farmlands, and their way of life. The right to self-defence is an inalienable one for all citizens.”
The Kano State Government has announced a financial assistance package of ₦1 million for each family of the 22 young athletes who lost their lives in a tragic road accident while returning from the 2025 National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, News360 Nigeria reports.
Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo made the announcement on Saturday during a condolence visit to the Nasarawa Hospital in Kano, where the remains of the deceased athletes were deposited.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Gwarzo described the incident as a painful loss not only for Kano State but for the nation as a whole.
“It is a very sad day for us in Kano and the entire country. These young men were returning from a national assignment, having proudly represented Kano. Some were even coming back with gold medals. Sadly, their lives were cut short so close to home,” Gwarzo said.
The ill-fated athletes were part of Kano’s contingent to the prestigious National Sports Festival, an event designed to promote peace, unity, and youth empowerment through sports. In addition to the financial , the state government also pledged to provide food items and relief materials to help ease the burden on the affected families.
According to Gwarzo, 20 of the victims have so far been identified at the hospital, while two others were taken home for burial by their families.
He added that Governor Yusuf had directed the state to fully stand by the bereaved families and ensure the injured receive prompt and quality medical care.
The Deputy Governor also visited the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, where seven injured athletes are currently being treated.
He sympathized with the survivors, assuring them of the government’s unwavering commitment to their recovery and welfare.
“On behalf of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the people of Kano State, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. May Allah forgive their shortcomings and grant them Jannatul Firdaus,” Gwarzo prayed.
As families prepared for burial rites, the state government reaffirmed its promise to provide long-term for those affected, pledging to stand by them through the difficult journey of healing and recovery.
The ing of CSP Ekene Nwosu, a former officer in charge of the Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) at the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, has stirred strong emotions and public reactions across the state, News360 Nigeria reports.
While official police sources have remained silent since news of his death broke, social media platforms in Akwa Ibom have been flooded with messages of relief and celebration, with many recounting painful experiences allegedly suffered at his hands.
Prominent human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, was among those who reacted strongly to the news. In a statement posted via his official Facebook page, Effiong described Nwosu as “a despicable human being, a murderous and callous policeman who dehumanized his victims without remorse.”
Effiong recalled years of confrontation with the late officer, whom he accused of disregarding court orders, violating human rights, and operating as a mercenary for powerful political figures in the state. “Ekene had so much power in the state,” Effiong alleged, adding that successive police commissioners failed to rein him in due to his connections with corrupt politicians.
According to Effiong, Nwosu was repeatedly found culpable by courts for rights violations, including in cases handled by his law firm in Uyo. The lawyer expressed disappointment that despite several complaints, the officer remained in service for years until his eventual transfer to Ekiti State, where he reportedly died.
Effiong also revealed that Nwosu allegedly celebrated the death of a former Commissioner of Police who had initiated his transfer out of Akwa Ibom. “It is true that every mortal will taste death, but we should reflect on what we will be ed for,” Effiong remarked.
As of press time, the Nigeria Police Force has yet to issue an official statement on Nwosu’s ing. However, the public response has continued to underscore deep-seated grievances against police brutality and the unchecked excesses of security operatives in parts of the country.
Effiong's full statement reads:
“CSP EKENE NWOSU: WHEN A MURDEROUS AND ROGUE POLICE OFFICER DIES
I have read about the death of CSP Ekene Nwosu, the former OC of the Anti-Robbery Squad in the Akwa Ibom State Police Command Headquarters.
Since the news of his demise broke, a lot of people have been celebrating, with many recounting their ordeals and terrible experiences in the hands of Ekene.
Those who are against the celebration of his death are entitled to their opinions.
The Ekene Nwosu that I knew, and had occasions to confront, was a devil, a despicable human being, a murderous and callous policeman who went to the extremes to dehumanize his many victims.
Ekene is a perfect example of a rogue police officer, he subjected innocent people in Akwa Ibom to the most barbaric forms of dehumanization.
He had no respect for lawyers, he had no respect for human rights, and held the Judiciary in contempt.
The Courts found him culpable for the violation of the rights of citizens in many cases, including the ones handled by our law firm in Uyo.
The fact that such a despicable person was allowed to continue in service despite many the complaints against him speaks to the rot in the Police.
Ekene had so much power in the State.
Successive Commissioners of Police failed to checkmate him, partly because he was a mercenary for oppressive and corrupt politicians in Akwa Ibom State.
I am reliably informed that Ekene celebrated the death of the immediate past who finally ensured that he was transferred to Ekiti State where he died yesterday .
Politicians used him to target people.
Ekene was a devil, and I hope that other rogues in uniform will realize that they will die one day.
It is true that every mortal will taste death, but we should always reflect on what we will be ed for.
For Ekene, those who him for his many evil deeds are within their right.”
A devastating tragedy has struck the Kano State delegation returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State, as no fewer than 22 of the team have been confirmed dead in a fatal road accident,News360 Nigeria reports.
The incident occurred on Friday night at the Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, when a vehicle conveying 35 engers, including athletes, journalists, medical staff, and sports s, plunged off a bridge while approaching their destination.
A survivor of the crash, Ado Salisu Gama, speaking from the Kura General Hospital, recounted the horrifying scene.
“Twenty-two people have been confirmed dead at Dakatsalle Bridge, just before Kura. The driver is also dead. As I speak to you, one more member has just died,” he told News360 Nigeria on Saturday morning.
According to Gama, the injured victims are currently receiving medical attention at the Kura General Hospital, while anxious family and well-wishers have gathered at the facility awaiting news of their loved ones.
The Kano State delegation had reportedly returned home after securing a commendable 29 medals at the festival, making the tragedy an even more painful end to what was meant to be a celebratory journey.
Among those feared dead in the accident are athletes, media personnel covering the games, medical officials, and key team s.
As at the time of this report, official statements from the Kano State Government and the National Sports Festival organisers were yet to be issued, while rescue and recovery efforts continue.
Finnish politician and Biafra political activist, Simon Ekpa, has appeared before the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on Friday, as his trial on terrorism-related charges officially begins, News360 Nigeria reports.
Ekpa, who has long been at the centre of secessionist agitation for an independent Biafra, was arrested by Finnish authorities in November 2024.
Simon faces serious allegations, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing.
Prosecutors claim he used his social media platforms to spread messages inciting unrest and violence in South-East region of Nigeria, activities which may qualify as terrorism under Finnish law.
“We have a great deal of evidence regarding this individual’s online activity and communications,” said Finnish state prosecutor Sampsa Hakala, while confirming that the prosecution is seeking a six-year prison sentence for Ekpa.
During earlier interrogations, Ekpa reportedly denied accusations of ordering weapons for pro-Biafra groups or funding violent operations.
Meanwhile, in solidarity with their leader, the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), of which Ekpa serves as Prime Minister, declared a two-day lockdown across Nigeria’s South-East region to coincide with his court appearance.
In a statement, the group said: “We confirm that these two days are significant in the lives of all Biafrans at home and abroad.
Our Prime Minister Simon Ekpa has been detained by the Finnish government since November 2024, and he will appear in court on May 29. Biafrans should honour him as a hero who has sacrificed his life for Biafra.”
The trial has drawn widespread attention both in Nigeria and among the Igbo diaspora, with opinions sharply divided over Ekpa’s influence and the growing security challenges in South-Easthern region of Nigeria.
Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has brushed aside criticisms questioning his political identity, reaffirming his commitment to restoring peace with his predecessor and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
News360 Nigeria reports that Fubara made these statement while addressing his ers in a viral video that surfaced online amid ongoing efforts to reconcile both political leaders following months of tension that rocked the state’s political structures.
The feud between Fubara and Wike, which began shortly after the governor assumed office in 2023, escalated to a point where governance in the state suffered disruptions, prompting President Bola Tinubu to declare a six-month emergency intervention to restore calm.
While hinting at a thaw in relations after a reported meeting involving Tinubu, Wike, and himself, Governor Fubara stated there was no reason peace should not return between him and his political mentor.
“There is no reason why there won’t be peace between me and my Oga,” Fubara said, referring to Wike. “We want peace so that Rivers will move forward.”
Responding to critics who label him a non-politician, Fubara questioned the criteria for such a label, asserting that what truly matters is the kind of respect one commands, earned, not enforced.
“They said I’m not a politician but I don’t know what is the entry requirement for wanting to be a politician. But I know that what is most important in this life is respect that I earned and not respect that is being forced,” he said.
He further assured his ers of his unwavering commitment to their welfare and encouraged open dialogue, promising to remain approachable and receptive to constructive criticism.
“I want to earn your respect by not bossing you but serving you. Feel free to tell me when I make mistakes. I need the of everyone and we need the of each other and again, I want to assure you that I’m with you completely,” Fubara added.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified the decision of the Federal High Court in Kano that sought to halt the local government elections held in October 2024, News360 Nigeria reports.
This ruling marks a significant legal turnaround in the dispute between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC).
The APC had earlier approached the Federal High Court, alleging that the KANSIEC Chairman, Prof. Sani Malumfashi, and some of the electoral commissioners were active of the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Based on this claim, the party sought a court injunction to prevent the elections from taking place.
Justice A.M. Amobeda of the Federal High Court had ruled in favor of the APC, ordering a suspension of the polls. However, the elections went ahead despite the injunction.
While delivering the judgment on Friday, Justice Oyewumi of the appeal court stated that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case, let alone deliver a ruling on it.
Consequently, the Court of Appeal upheld the appeal filed by the Kano State Government and affirmed the validity of the October polls.
As at the time of filing this report, the APC has yet to respond to the judgment and calls placed to the spokesperson of the party, Ahmad Aruwa by this reporter went unanswered.
More than 24 hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed that properties sealed by the Federal Capital Territory istration (FCTA) over unpaid ground rent be reopened, the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja remains under lock and key, News360 Nigeria reports.
On Monday, FCT officials had embarked on a mass sealing of defaulting properties, sparking outrage. President Tinubu swiftly intervened by granting a 14-day grace period for property owners to settle their dues with an N2 million penalty and to regularise their documents.
Yet, as of 10:15am on Wednesday, Daily Trust reports that the PDP’s national secretariat in Wuse Zone 5 was still sealed.
A visit to the site revealed the gate padlocked, with an FCTA seal pasted beside it. Some staff were seen sitting outside, while others lingered nearby, expressing frustration over the situation. One of the employees, who spoke anonymously, suspected political undertones in the lingering closure.
“I was here yesterday when they unsealed other places like FIRS, Ibro Hotel, and NAPTIP, but when they got to our office, they suddenly left,” the staff member claimed. “I followed them to their office and the director of Lands told me they were waiting for instructions from AGIS before touching PDP.”
Since the secretariat’s sealing on Monday, the PDP has condemned the move. Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum described it as “the height of irresponsibility” and accused the government of trying to weaken democracy. He declared the party’s readiness to resist what it views as intimidation.
Meanwhile, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who has had a longstanding face-off with the PDP, remains at the centre of the controversy.
The PDP is yet to issue an official statement regarding the continued closure of its secretariat.
Angry youths in Rano Local Government Area of Kano State have gone berserk as they set ablaze part of the Rano Divisional police station over alleged brutality on one of their own, Abdullahi Musa, News360 Nigeria reports.
The violence was also said to have led to setting ablaze of some vehicles while others were vandalized.
Meanwhile, the police in a statement, said the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, was killed during the attack.
In a statement, yesterday, the Kano police command said the incident happened on Sunday evening.
According to the police, Abdullahi Musa, a motorcycle mechanic, was arrested Sunday evening after several complaints from the public alleging he rode around recklessly, reportedly under the influence of drugs.
“While in custody, Musa became weak and was rushed to Rano General Hospital, where he died the following morning while receiving treatment,” the statement read.
The police noted that news of Musa’s death had triggered chaos, during which hoodlums launched an attack on the Rano police division.
During the protest, the hoodlums reportedly looted the station and set some parts of it ablaze, alongside two vehicles. They also vandalised 10 vehicles.
However, the deceased DPO sustained serious injuries in the attack and was rushed to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, where he later died.
The statement said 27 suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack.
Meanwhile, sources from the area said the situation escalated when police allegedly opened fire on the protesters, injuring two young men.
A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity said: “We were protesting peacefully. We only wanted answers about what happened to Abdullahi Musa. But they started shooting at us leading to the injury of two young men.
“The injured youths, identified as Kabiru Muhammad and Muhammad Ibrahim, are currently receiving treatment at Rano General Hospital,” the source said.\
Another source said: “It’s a sad day for our community. Abdullahi Musa was not a criminal. He was arrested, and now he is dead. We want justice.”
The spokesperson of the Kano State Police Command, Abdullahi Haruna, who confirmed the unrest, promised that a thorough investigation would be launched into the incident.
“Incident in Rano, thorough investigation will be conducted by the Grace of God,” Haruna said.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori has visited the area for on the spot assessment and to restore normalcy to the area.
An explosion has been reported near the Mogadishu cantonment of the Nigerian Army’ in Abuja, the nation’s capital, according to video obtained by News360 Nigeria
Details surrounding the cause of the blast and the number of casualties remain unclear as of the time of this report.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the incident via a statement posted on its official X handle on Monday evening.
“Explosion At Bus Stop Opposite Mogadishu Cantonment Abuja. Situation Under Control,” the post read.
The Army also assured that further information regarding the explosion would be provided in due course.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has postponed its 99th National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting, News360 Nigeria reports.
The NEC meeting was scheduled to be held on May 27, 2025, at the PDP’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
However, the NEC was postponed to allow room for the former Senate President Bukola Saraki-led reconciliation committee to carry out its assignment.
A notice tagged: “Postponement of the 99th NEC Meeting,” signed by PDP’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, said a new date will be scheduled.
The notice reads:
“The above subject refers. This is to formally inform leaders and of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great party that the proposed NEC meeting earlier announced to take place on May 27, 2025, has been postponed.
“The postponement is to allow the Sen. Bukola Saraki’s Reconciliation Committee to complete its assignment of resolving some internal conflicts necessary to have a peaceful NEC meeting.
“Accordingly, a new date will be formally announced in accordance with the PDP Constitution 2017 as amended and the Electoral Act, 2022.
“Therefore, any notice of NEC meeting or publication signed by the Deputy National Secretary in the guise of Acting National Secretary is illegal, unauthorized, and should be disregarded.
“All inconveniences resulting from this change of date are regretted. Please accept the assurances of my esteemed regards.”
This comes as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, withdrew from all agreements with the party leadership meant to end the crisis.
Wike, who claimed to have been fighting for PDP’s survival since 1998, accused some party leaders of flaming the crisis, hence his decision to withdraw from all agreements.
1. Since after the 2023 General election, the PDP has been wantonly swinging from one part of a slippery precipice to another, owing fundamentally to dishonesty and lack of trust amongst its key stakeholders.
To stem this ugly trend, efforts have been made to arrest this pernicious virus of dishonesty and treachery and enthrone fidelity to agreements with a view to stabilizing the party and moving it forward.
2. To this end, a meeting of the G5 was held in Lagos. In that meeting, I made it clear to the Governor of Oyo State, HE. Seyi Makinde, that he was the architect of our problems, pointing out to him that non-adherence to agreements reached was the bane of the party, and that he was the chief culprit of this anomaly.
At the end of the meeting, we resolved to bury the hatchet and make progress.
3. As a follow-up to the aforementioned meeting, there was an expanded meeting in Abuja involving HE. Seyi Makinde, HE. Umaru Fintri, HE. Bala Mohammed, HE, Bukola Saraki, and I in Saraki’s guest house.
In that meeting, I made it clear that I had no personal problems with HE. Bala Mohammed, except that he hides under the facade of Chairman of PDP Governors Forum to serially renege on agreements. Tensions rose mightily in the meeting and it took all concerned to calm frayed nerves.
At the end of the meeting, we came to some resolutions, including:
a. That Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains the National Secretary of the PDP in tandem with the Supreme Court judgement.
b. All legal matters relating to Rivers State must be withdrawn by the National Legal Adviser.
c. The suit on the State of emergency be withdrawn forthwith.
d. Nobody should deviate from the agreements so reached.
In the light of the foregoing, they pleaded with me to attend the stakeholders’ meeting at the Bauchi Government Lodge, regardless of my many engagements.
I attended the meeting and clearly reiterated my earlier concerns, and to this end and in order to resolve all other lingering and pending issues, a committee was formed, headed by HE. Bukola Saraki.
4. It is disheartening to note that even before the Bukola Saraki Reconciliation Committee began its work, the gentleman’s agreement we reached at Saraki’s Guest House was already being crudely violated.
To my chagrin, Seyi Makinde had connived with Peter Mba of Enugu State to orchestrate the summoning of the meeting of so-called South-East leaders to recommend that if Ude Okoye was not adopted as Secretary, they would pull out of the PDP.
I have since granted an interview to the effect that, that resolution of the South-East leaders can not hold.
Again, Seyi Makinde organized some people in the National Secretariat to insist that the Deputy National Secretary should act as National Secretary, in violation of the agreement earlier reached.
To attempt to give credence to this farce, a letter was written by the Deputy National Secretary, calling for a meeting of the NEC of the party.
Furthermore, the letter confirming the candidacy of the Governorship candidate of the party in the forthcoming Governorship elections in Anambra State, duly signed by the National Secretary, Senator Anyanwu and the acting National Chairman, was portrayed as rejected by the party through a rebuttal letter signed by the National Publicity Secretary, acting on the orders of Seyi Makinde and Peter Mba.
All these actions are in complete violation of the agreements reached and would not do the party any good whatsoever. On the 24th of May 2025, in Jos, for instance, a well publicized and properly attended zonal elective congress of the PDP was aborted because the letter inviting INEC to the congress was signed by the Deputy National Secretary of the party.
INEC refused to attend because the proper signatory recognized by law, that is Senator Samuel Anyanwu was not a signatory to the invitation notice. This is undeniably distasteful, provocative and annoying, to say the least.
5. I have painstakingly put out all these facts so that PDP and the general public would know the truth. I have been in this party since 1998 and have worked tirelessly for the survival of this party with all my strength and it is on record that none of these persons have done anything close to what I have done to sustain this party.
What is more painful is that I contributed substantially to most of these governors winning their elections, yet I have not made any personal demands on any of them and I would never do so.
Most importantly, I had thought that we could keep the trust amongst us, but since it is now obvious that they would continue to play games to the detriment of the party, as is the case in the current debacle in the North-Central zonal elections, I have now firmly decided to pull out of all agreements hitherto reached.
I have decided to fight on until justice is attained.
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON
Minister, Federal Capital Territory
May 25, 2025
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Former Rivers Governor, Rotimi Amaechi and the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, are currently attending the National Political Consultative Group (North) meeting in Abuja, News360 Nigeria reports.
The high-level gathering has attracted prominent political figures, party leaders, and elder statesmen as discussions intensify over a possible grand coalition among Nigeria’s opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Earlier reports had indicated that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was being considered as a neutral political platform to drive the proposed coalition, providing a common ground for various opposition parties.
However, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has openly stated he would not dump the PDP for any coalition vehicle, Labour Party’s Peter Obi has equally insisted he would run on the platform of his current party.
Despite these positions, sources say the coalition talks are progressing with an understanding that alliances can still be forged without necessarily dissolving individual party structures. Stakeholders are reportedly exploring frameworks for collaboration on candidate endorsements, policy coordination, and electoral strategy.
The meeting is expected to issue a communique at its conclusion as coalition negotiations continue to gather momentum among opposition figures determined to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The t issions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has released the results of the recently conducted 2025 UTME resit examination for candidates at centres impacted by technical glitches, News360 Nigeria reports.
The results indicate that of the 336,845 candidates rescheduled for the examination, 21,082 others were absent. No reason was given for the high absence of the candidates in the rescheduled examination.
The board released the results in a statement by its Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, on Sunday morning.
It said, “Of the 336,845 who were eventually scheduled after isolated good sessions of the affected centres were excluded and their previously unverified candidates were added, 21,082 were absent.”
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of 22 individuals as chief executives, chairmen of various federal agencies and commissions, marking another significant step in the istration’s commitment to revitalising public institutions and deepening governance reforms, News360 Nigeria reports.
The appointments were made on Saturday evening via a list posted by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, via his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956.
The appointees include former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim; former Katsina State governor, Ibrahim Shehu Shema; former Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu; and former Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Isa Aremu.
Nnamani from Enugu State was named Chairman of the Nigerian Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS); former Governor Shema named Chairman of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), while former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim from Ebonyi State was appointed Chairman of the National Merit Awards.
Former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu was appointed Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Sports, reinforcing the istration’s focus on youth development and sports promotion.
A renowned labour activist and former Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) from Kwara State, Isa Aremu, was appointed Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies.
At the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), President Tinubu approved the appointment of Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani from Zamfara State as Managing Director.
He is to work alongside Abubakar Umar Jarengol from Adamawa State, who was named Executive Director (Operation/Technical), and Babaranti Ayandayo Rasheed from Osun State as Executive Director (Finance and istration).
In the area of women and social development, Dr. Asabe Vilita Bashir from Borno State was appointed Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development, while Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe from Ondo State was named Director-General of the National Senior Citizens Centre, Abuja.
The President also appointed Dr. Segun Aina from Osun State as Director-General of the Academic Staff College of Nigeria, a key institution for academic development and retraining in the tertiary education sector.
At the National Population Commission, Senator Jalo Zarami, from Yobe State and Dr. Joseph Haruna Kigbu from Nasarawa State were appointed Federal Commissioners, as part of efforts to strengthen national data systems and population planning.
From Kano State, Hamza Ibrahim Baba was appointed National Program Manager of the Government Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Program (GEEP), a federal initiative ing small businesses and informal sector enterprises.
Abubakar Adamu from Benue State was named Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, while Mohammed Lawal Ibrahim of Kogi State and Abdullahi Mohammed of Katsina State were appointed Executive Directors (Finance/) and (Monitoring and Implementation), respectively, at the Nigeria–Sao Tome t Development Authority.
Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura from Zamfara State was named Director-General of the Centre for Citizenship and Leadership Training, an agency tasked with promoting leadership values and civic education.
Senator Kabir Abdullahi Barkiya from Katsina was appointed Chairman of the Nigerian Agricultural Land Development Authority, while Dr. Shuaibu Shehu Aliyu from Kaduna State was appointed Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education.
Also on the list is Professor Almustapha Alhaji Aliyu from Sokoto State, who was appointed Managing Director of NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), a critical subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).
The new appointees are all expected to bring strategic oversight and political depth to their new roles.
The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force have apprehended 20 individuals suspected of hacking into the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) servers operated by the t issions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), News360 Nigeria reports.
Security sources confirmed that the arrests, made across Lagos, Edo, Anambra, Kano, and Delta states, represent a major breakthrough in the fight against cybercrimes targeting Nigeria’s education sector.
The suspects are believed to be part of a larger syndicate of over 100 , accused of breaching the computer systems of national examination bodies such as JAMB and the National Examinations Council (NECO).
Preliminary findings revealed that the hackers installed malicious software on examination hardware, granting them remote access to JAMB servers at selected Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres. Their objective was to manipulate examination results and compromise the credibility of the CBT system.
According to security sources, the syndicate’s method involved placing routers close to targeted CBT centres, enabling them to override JAMB’s platforms. It was gathered that candidates allegedly paid between ₦700,000 and ₦2 million to access exam answers through this illegal network.
The breach reportedly caused discrepancies between questions and answers during the UTME, contributing to widespread complaints about mass failures in the 2025 edition. Some of the syndicate , reportedly owners of private schools and colleges, were said to have led the hack in a bid to discredit the CBT system, fearing its full adoption by other examination bodies like WAEC and NECO might disrupt their fraudulent dealings.
“The DSS has been quietly tracking this dangerous network of cyber attacks,” a security operative disclosed. “Their aim was to sabotage the credibility of our examination system, but thankfully, their activities have been uncovered.”
So far, investigations have found no evidence implicating the seven JAMB officials who supervised the compromised centres, though inquiries are ongoing. The arrested suspects are currently in DSS custody in Abuja, with their identities withheld pending formal charges.
A DSS spokesperson assured that all culprits would be prosecuted. “Those found guilty will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the official stated.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of 24 individuals to key national positions, with 11 of them drawn from Northern Nigeria, News360 Nigeria reports.
This move is seen as part of the istration’s effort to promote regional balance and inclusive governance.
The new appointees, announced on Friday, will take up strategic roles across various government agencies responsible for agricultural, infrastructural, and social development in the country.
Among them is H.E Ibrahim Shema, a former Governor of Katsina State who has been appointed as the Chairman, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and Abubakar Umar Jarengol from Adamawa State, who has been named Executive Director, Operations, at the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), marking a notable achievement for the state.
The Presidency explained that these appointments reflect President Tinubu’s focus on fair distribution of responsibilities and power, with indications that more slots would still be allocated to the region in the coming months.
Prominent among the Northern appointees are:
H.E. Ibrahim Shehu Shema (Katsina) – Chairman, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
Hamza Ibrahim Baba (Kano) – Programme Manager, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP).
Abubakar Umar Jarengol (Adamawa) – Executive Director, Operations, NAIC.
Barr. Sama’ila Audu (Katsina) – Executive Director, istration, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
Prof. Musa Garba Mai Tafsiri (Kebbi) – Executive Secretary, National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education.
Prof. Garba Hamidu Sharubutu (Benue) – Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria.
Abdullahi Mohammed (Katsina) – Executive Director, Finance & istration, Nigeria–São Tomé and Príncipe t Development Authority.
Comrade Isa Aremu (Kwara) – Director-General, Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS).
Sen. Tijjani Yahaya Kaura (Zamfara) – Director-General, Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre.
Sen. Engr. Kabir Abdullahi Barkiya (Katsina) – Chairman, Nigerian Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA).
A statement from the Presidency commended the capacity and expertise of the appointees, adding that the selection process was guided by their alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the istration.
“These appointments reflect the President’s dedication to harnessing talent from all regions to drive Nigeria’s development,” the statement read.
Specifically, Adamawa’s Abubakar Umar Jarengol is expected to strengthen NAIC’s operational framework, ensuring farmers across the country are better protected against agricultural risks through improved insurance coverage and services.
Two former Vice Presidents of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, on Friday paid a courtesy visit to former Interior Minister and ex-Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, at his country home in Ilesa, Osun State, News360 Nigeria reports.
The visit came just a few hours before the coronation of the 49th Owa Obokun and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, which is scheduled to take place today in Ilesa.
Confirming the meeting, Atiku shared a video clip on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle showing himself, Sambo, and Aregbesola engaging in lively conversation over breakfast. He captioned the post, “Breakfast time at the residence of former Governor of Osun State, Engr Rauf Aregbesola.”
Although the purpose of the gathering remains officially undisclosed, it has already stirred public conversation, with many interpreting it as a politically strategic meeting ahead of the country’s 2027 general elections.
Prominent Osun political figures from Aregbesola’s political camp were also seen in the video welcoming the guests, including former Osun APC Chairman, Lowo Adebiyi; Chairman of Omoluabi Progressives, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji; former Secretary to the State Government, Moshood Adeoti; and former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam.
Earlier, Atiku posted about his arrival at Akure Airport in Ondo State ahead of the royal event, noting the warm reception he received from political stakeholders.
Today’s coronation ceremony is expected to hold at Obokungbusi Hall in Ilesa, with a reception later at the Ilesa Grammar School grounds, as dignitaries continue to troop into the town for the occasion.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reportedly issued a bold directive to of his istration, urging all commissioners and political appointees to follow him in defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or step down from their positions, News360 Nigeria reports.
The announcement was said to have been made during a State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held on Thursday.
During the session, Governor Eno allegedly confirmed his intention to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC and emphasized that his decision should not come as a shock to anyone within his cabinet.
According to insider sources who attended the meeting, the governor made it unequivocally clear that continued loyalty and collaboration within his government would require alignment with his new political direction.
His statement implied that any official unwilling to make the switch would be expected to resign their role in the istration.
“Anybody who claims he is not aware of my intention to leave the PDP is still living in the 18th century,” he said.
He explained that his decision to align with the APC was driven by his iration for the leadership style of President Bola Tinubu, adding that he wants to work more closely with the Federal Government.
The governor issued a stern warning to his appointees, saying he has “nothing to negotiate” with anyone unwilling to follow his political direction.
“Apart from elected officials like House of Assembly and Local Government Chairmen, I have nothing to negotiate with you,” Eno declared.
“Let me tell you, anybody who believes that when I leave the PDP he will use the party structure to fight me is lying, because I will still control the PDP structure.”
As of the time of filing this report, the State Executive Council meeting was still in session, with further developments expected in the coming hours.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has announced the appointment of Mr. Adeniran Aderogba as the pioneer President and Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB), News360 Nigeria reports.
This comes as the bank finally commences operations after a 16-year delay.
In a statement released by his Media and Communications Adviser, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved Nigeria’s hosting of the long-awaited financial institution, ending years of stagnation since member states of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) first endorsed its creation in 2009.
Describing the development as historic, Oyetola stated, “This is a moment of great significance for Nigeria and the entire West and Central African sub-region. After 16 years of waiting, the Regional Maritime Development Bank is finally taking off, thanks to the decisive leadership of President Bola Tinubu.”
“His approval not only breaks a longstanding deadlock but also reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to regional integration, maritime development, and economic cooperation.”
The Regional Maritime Development Bank is expected to provide long-term funding solutions for essential projects such as port infrastructure, fleet acquisition, shipping logistics, and intermodal transport systems.
The Minister noted that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises infrastructure, economic growth, and regional partnerships.
Aderogba, who brings over 30 years of experience in maritime istration, finance, and investment, was described as a fitting choice to lead the bank from concept to execution.
He previously served as Executive Director of Finance and istration at the Nigerian Maritime istration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and later became its Acting Director General.
His career also includes key leadership roles in the banking sector at First Atlantic Bank Plc and MBC International Bank Ltd, where he oversaw investment banking and structured trade finance. Aderogba is the founder of CLG Securities Limited and has led over $5 billion in transactions across different sectors, including internationally recognised deals.
Aderogba’s early career began with KPMG, providing him with a solid background in auditing and financial consulting.
He has played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s financial landscape, contributing to the introduction of the Nigerian Inter-Bank Offered Rate (NIBOR) and the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Fixing (NiFEX).
A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered ants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a University of Lagos graduate, Aderogba currently sits on the advisory board of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council.
According to Oyetola, the operationalisation of the RMDB and Aderogba’s appointment are expected to drive maritime sector growth, enhance trade, and unlock much-needed funding for critical infrastructure within the region.
The Federal Government has filed a lawsuit against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, over alleged defamatory comments made during a live television interview.
The suit, marked CR/297/25, was filed before a Federal Capital Territory High Court on May 16, 2025, naming Akpoti-Uduaghan as the sole defendant.
According to the government, the senator made statements “knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation would harm the reputation of a person,” citing Section 391 of the Penal Code, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990.
The offence is punishable under Section 392 of the same law.
Documents obtained by News360 Nigeria reveals that among the listed witnesses for the prosecution are Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Other witnesses expected to testify include Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Sandra Duru, two investigating police officers, Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba.
Count one of the suit alleges that Akpoti-Uduaghan made the defamatory remarks during a live broadcast on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, aired on April 3, 2025.
It was gathered that Akpabio and Bello are listed as the nominal complainants in the case.
This court action follows a series of confrontations between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio, which escalated after her suspension from the Senate on March 6 for what was described as “gross misconduct” following a dispute over seating arrangements.
The senator had described her suspension as illegal, unjust, and an attempt to silence her, rejecting claims that it wasn’t linked to her previous sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President.
Since then, she has made several accusations and filed petitions against Akpabio.
In April, Akpabio petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, demanding an investigation and prosecution of Akpoti-Uduaghan for alleged criminal defamation, incitement, false accusations, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
Similarly, former Governor Bello also petitioned the police chief over allegations made by the senator, which claimed he funded and organised a plot to recall her from the Senate and allegedly acted on Akpabio’s instructions to plan her assassination outside Abuja in a staged local attack.
The Nigerian government has filed criminal charges against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following her public claims of an assassination plot against her on national television, News360 Nigeria reports.
The full details of the charges remain unclear, but one charge relates to statements she made during a live interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3, 2025.
In the interview, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of planning to have her killed.
According to a charge sheet obtained by SaharaReporters, the Federal Republic of Nigeria is listed as the complainant in a case filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as the sole defendant.
The government alleges that the senator committed an offence under Section 391 of the Penal Code Law, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990, for “making imputation knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person.” This offence is punishable under Section 392 of the same law.
During the interview, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said: “I am glad you did it that I am a lawyer, and even if I am not a lawyer, I am a sane individual, and I do stand by what I said. In respect to the meeting or discussion Akpabio had [with] Yahaya Bello that night to eliminate me. Just ask the Senate President why did he withdraw my security if not to make me vulnerable to attacks.”
She added, “Of all the senators, about 109, we all have different stories. I have been a high-profiled, vulnerable individual because of the nature of politics I have had since 2018. Very violent and dangerous. And I always have my security.”
“So stripping me of my security because I am suspended illegally, actually it just positions me before attacks.”
This was not the first time Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan raised concerns about threats to her life from powerful political figures. Weeks before the interview, at a homecoming rally in Kogi State, she alleged that Senate President Akpabio first reached out to Governor Ododo to recall her but, after Ododo declined, Akpabio turned to Yahaya Bello.
She claimed, “Akpabio told Yahaya Bello to kill me. Akpabio told him to make sure that killing me does not happen in Abuja. It should be done here. So it will seem as if the people killed me here. I didn’t make that public, but we did notify the police about it.”
These accusations come amid ongoing controversies within the Nigerian Senate, including allegations of sexual harassment, security intimidation, and suppression of dissent.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment but was later suspended for six months on grounds of “misconduct” unrelated to her claims.
The Federal Government has begun a widespread manhunt for seven inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, following heavy overnight rainfall that compromised the facility’s security, News360 Nigeria reports.
According to a statement issued Tuesday night by the spokesperson of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), DCC Abubakar Umar, the incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. on May 20, 2025.
He confirmed that the downpour caused a breach in the perimeter, enabling the inmates to flee.
In response, the Controller General of Corrections, CGC Sylvester Nwakuche, has ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the jailbreak.
Umar disclosed that security operatives are collaborating with sister agencies and community leaders in a coordinated operation to track down and rearrest the escapees.
He appealed to of the public to the effort by providing any useful information that could lead to the capture of the fugitives.
The NCoS also released emergency response lines for the public: 07087086005, 09060004598, and 08075050006.
Newsgeek24: 7:10pm