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Security chiefs in Anambra State on Monday met in a closed-door meeting to strategise and harmonise on security ahead of the scheduled visit of President Bola Tinubu on Thursday.

 

In attendance at the high-level meeting, which lasted for five hours included the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Air Vice Marshal Ben Chiobi (retd.).

 

It was gathered that the deliberations focused on reviewing current security intelligence, assessing threat levels and implementing fortified security measures within the capital city and across strategic locations.

 

A statement issued at the end of the meeting by the state police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, indicated that key areas of focus included a joint operational deployment, coordinated patrols, and surveillance strategies to ensure security before, during and after the President’s visit.

 

Ikenga added that the session addressed operational planning, inter-agency coordination, and contingency preparedness, ensuring the development of robust response strategies for various possible scenarios during the presidential visit.

 

The statement read in part, “The Anambra State security chiefs convened today, Monday, May 5, 2025, in a closed-door meeting to strengthen security arrangements ahead of the scheduled visit of the President to Anambra State—popularly known as the Light of the Nation—on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

“The high-level meeting, which lasted for five hours, featured detailed briefings from heads of various security agencies. The deliberations focused on reviewing current security intelligence, assessing threat levels, and implementing fortified security measures within the capital city and across strategic locations.

 

“Key areas of focus included joint operational deployment, coordinated patrols, and surveillance strategies. Additionally, the session addressed operational planning, inter-agency coordination, and contingency preparedness, ensuring the development of robust response strategies for various possible scenarios during the presidential visit.

 

“Agencies in attendance included the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Air Vice Marshal Ben Chiobi (Rtd).”

 

According to the police spokesman, the comprehensive security approach reflects the commitment of Anambra State’s security architecture to guaranteeing the safety of the visiting President, dignitaries, and citizens, while sustaining peace and stability across the state.

 

During the official visit, the President is expected to commission a couple of “legacy” projects completed by the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo

 

The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria has mandated that all influencers and content creators must obtain prior approval before publishing advertisements on any platform.

 

According to CableNG, this directive was issued in a statement on Monday signed by ARCON’s Director-General, Olalekan Fadolapo, who raised concerns about the growing trend of misleading advertisements, particularly across digital media.

 

Fadolapo cited the recent scandal involving the CBEX ponzi scheme as a cautionary tale on the dangers of unchecked advertising content.

 

“Such tragedies show the importance of vetting advertising materials for honesty, transparency, and compliance with ethical standards before dissemination,” the statement read.

 

Reinforcing the council’s stance, Fadolapo emphasized that all stakeholders are expected to ensure advertisements go through ARCON’s vetting and approval process before being released to the public — regardless of the medium.

 

“Advertisements that misrepresent facts, omit critical information, or are designed to exploit vulnerable audiences will not be tolerated,” he added.

ARCON further stressed that social media platforms are not exempt from its oversight, and reiterated that influencers and digital content creators fall under its regulatory scope. They are required to secure approval ahead of publishing promotional content.

 

The council issued a stern warning that individuals or organisations found circulating unapproved advertisements will be investigated and may face sanctions from the advertising offences tribunal.

 

To ensure compliance, Fadolapo disclosed that ARCON has launched a dedicated task force to monitor advertising across all platforms and quickly flag violators.

 

“We urge the public to also support this initiative by reporting any advertisement that appears deceptive or suspicious,” the council stated.

 

PUNCH Online reports that in recent years, Nigeria’s digital advertising space has seen exponential growth, driven by the rise of social media influencers, content creators, music stars, celebrities, and online marketers.

 

However, this boom has also given rise to a surge in scams, misleading, unregulated ads, among others prompting regulatory concerns.

 

Activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has criticised Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, for keeping mute over the arrest of controversial social media critic, Verydarkman, despite mounting public outcry and protests.

 

Adeyanju, in a post shared on X, accused the renowned human rights lawyer of not speaking out against VDM’s detention, despite his history of defending civil liberties.

 

“Our revered leader and mentor, Femi Falana SAN yet to condemn the arrest of VDM. Interesting times indeed!” Adeyanju wrote.

 

The arrest of VDM has sparked widespread reactions across the country, particularly on social media, where several celebrities, influencers, and activists have called for his immediate release.

Some supporters have also taken to the streets of Abuja in protest.

 

Drawing comparisons with past incidents under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, Adeyanju recalled how he had spoken out for a critic who had once incited attacks against him.

 

“When the boy that lead people to attack me under Buhari became a victim under the same Buhari and was arrested, I was the first person to condemn it,” he added.

 

VDM’s continued detention has remained a trending issue, with supporters accusing the authorities of using state power to silence dissenting voices.

 

The Nigerian Postal Service has announced a series of bold reforms aimed at repositioning the organisation as a modern, innovative, and digitally driven postal institution.

 

In a statement release by its Director of Corporate Communications, Franklin Alao, on Monday, NIPOST said the reforms, operating under the theme “Change of Renewed Hope Berths at NIPOST Shores,” were part of efforts to align the agency with global best practices, meet the needs of Nigeria’s growing digital economy, and support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

 

The postal agency stated that at the core of the transformation was a commitment to innovation, accountability, value, and service excellence.

 

It assured Nigerians of a revitalised postal service that delivers superior service and embraces digital change.

 

NIPOST expressed appreciation to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, for his support and leadership.

 

It also commended the Chairman of the NIPOST Board, Barrister Isaac Kekemeke, for his strategic foresight, and the Postmaster General/Chief Executive Officer, Tola Odeyemi, for her efforts in championing institutional reforms, improving staff welfare and driving capacity development.

As part of the new initiatives, NIPOST said it would implement a performance-based reward and recognition system to encourage excellence among staff, alongside strict disciplinary measures to uphold integrity.

 

A major feature of the reforms is the transition to a fully cashless system.

 

Beginning from July 1, 2025, NIPOST said all post office counters nationwide would no longer accept cash payments for services, adding that customers would be required to use approved electronic channels for all transactions.

 

The statement read, “A major highlight of the reform package is the transition to a fully cashless system. Beginning July 1, 2025, all Post Office counters nationwide will no longer accept cash payments for their services. Customers will be required to use approved electronic channels for all transactions.”

 

NIPOST described the move as a critical part of its modernisation efforts aimed at ensuring safer, faster, and more transparent service delivery.

 

The agency added that through the reforms, it aimed to reposition itself as a dynamic, technology-driven player at the centre of Nigeria’s digital transformation, with a renewed mission of “Connecting Nigeria, Delivering Solutions, and Improving Lives.”

 

A 26-year-old man, David Isaiah, who kidnapped and killed a commercial sex worker, Comfort James, with herbicide, was in Monday sentenced to death by hanging by an Ekiti State High Court, Ado Ekiti Division.

 

Isaiah was charged with conspiracy, kidnapping and murder alongside his friend, Saviour Daniel, who died during the pendency of the court trial.

 

He was tried and convicted on three count bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping and murder.

 

While he was condemned to death for murder, the court sentenced him to life imprisonment for kidnapping and 21 21-year jail term for conspiracy.

 

The charge read, “The defendant and Saviour Daniel, who died during the pendency of the case on 6th of February, 2024 in Ado Ekiti, did conspire to kidnap and murder one Comfort James, a commercial sex worker.”

 

The prosecutor, Ibironke Odetola, had told the court that the offences committed by the defendant, who was arraigned on 18th April, 2024, “are contrary to sections 280, 279 (a) and 234 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021”.

 

In his testimony before the court, the Director of Afrika Brothel, Irona, Ado Ekiti said, “I was called by other commercial sex workers in the brothel, that they had not seen the victims (sex workers) since the previous day.

 

“The missing sex worker was said to have called to inform her colleagues that she had been kidnapped and that the kidnappers were demanding N100,000 ransom.

“I reported the matter at the police station and the Civil Defence office. Their telephone lines were tracked and later arrested. They took Civil Defence Officers to where they killed and dumped the dead body of the sex worker.”

 

The prosecutor, Odetola, called six witnesses and tendered defendants’ statements, pictures of the deceased, a warrant to bury the corpse, a pair of slippers, SIM cards and herbicide as exhibits.

 

The defendant, who spoke in his own defence, told the court that “after having sex with the deceased, we used her number to call her colleagues that she had been kidnapped and demanded a ransom of N100,000.

 

“Her hands and neck were tied all along, but when the ransom was not forthcoming and on realising that she had seen our faces clearly, to avoid being implicated, we poured herbicide in her mouth and she later died, the defendant said as he called no witness.”

 

Delivering his judgment, Justice Olalekan Olatawura said the prosecution had proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant conspired with his late friend (Saviour Daniel) to kidnap and murder Comfort James.

 

The judge said, “Consequent upon the foregoing, the defendant is found guilty as charged. Any sympathetic consideration in favour of the defendant cannot, therefore, be justified.

“Consequently, the defendant is sentenced to 21 years imprisonment for conspiracy, life imprisonment for kidnapping and for murder, the judgment of this court upon you is that, you be hanged by the neck until you be dead, may God have mercy on your soul.”

 

Ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the arrest and continued detention of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, describing it as another sign of growing authoritarianism under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

 

VeryDarkMan’s arrest was confirmed by EFCC’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, who stated that the activist was taken into custody following petitions from several individuals on cyberstalking allegations.

 

In a strongly worded statement posted on X (formerly twitter) on Monday, Atiku accused the government of weaponising security agencies to suppress dissent and intimidate critics of the administration.

 

“The arrest and continued detention of social media influencer and outspoken critic, Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is yet another blatant abuse of power by the Tinubu administration,” he wrote.

The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party said the lack of formal charges against Otse was “a flagrant violation of his constitutional rights and a chilling reminder of the growing authoritarianism under this government.”

Atiku said the incident fits a pattern of “relentless assault on the fundamental freedoms of Nigerians, particularly those who dare to speak truth to power or align with the political opposition.”

 

He further accused the Tinubu-led government of applying double standards in its handling of corruption allegations, noting that while opposition figures and critics are hounded, loyalists with serious allegations continue to enjoy immunity.

 

“While security agencies are quick to target dissenters and critics, often in complete disregard of due process, political loyalists with credible allegations of corruption walk free, trading sycophancy for immunity,” Atiku said.

 

He warned against normalising what he described as “state-sponsored repression,” adding, “We must not allow state-sponsored repression to become the defining character of our democracy.”

 

Describing the administration’s actions as disgraceful, Atiku concluded, “The Tinubu administration’s systematic crackdown on opposition voices is nothing short of disgraceful. It is an affront to democratic norms and must be fiercely condemned and resisted.”

 

The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, (rted.) has charged participants of Senior Course 47 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, to ensure that their study tour reports provide practical solutions to the pressing security challenges facing the nation.

 

Ibas gave the charge when the Senior Course 47 participants paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday.

 

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, Ibas emphasised the significance of their study tour to the state, given the prevailing security threats to lives and property, which necessitated the current administration’s intervention.

 

This was contained in a statement issued by the sole administrator’s media aide, Hector Igbikiowubo, and sent to newsmen.

 

The sole administrator stressed the importance of gathering credible intelligence to address insecurity, noting that security challenges negatively impact economic productivity, reduce government revenue, and deter investments.

 

He said, “It disturbs our utmost conviction that those who provide human capital that fuels insecurity in urban and remote areas include, of course, our rural populace.

 

“Hence, any study channeled towards harvesting grassroots intelligence is worth embarking on, as internal security without proper feedback mechanisms will be an illusion to be pursued but cannot be attained”.

He urged the participants to ensure that their interactions with security agencies and other stakeholders, as well as the data collected, go beyond mere academic exercise and translate into practical, actionable strategies for enhancing security operations.

 

Ibas expressed confidence that the study would contribute to both academic scholarship and the broader security framework necessary for a safer and more secure Rivers State.

 

In his address, the Team Leader and Director of Logistics at AFCSC Jaji, Commodore S. O. Abdularaheen, explained that his team is one of nine groups currently on a study tour across selected states in Nigeria.

 

Abdularaheen further said the tour is part of this year’s research on the Nigerian environment as it relates to national security concerns.

 

He said the team is guided by the theme: “Harnessing Grassroots Intelligence for Enhanced Internal Security.”

 

He noted that their findings would be compiled into a research paper for the college, with recommendations expected to be adopted by relevant government agencies and organizations for implementation.

 

The visit underscores Rivers State’s commitment to collaborating with security institutions to develop sustainable solutions to insecurity, fostering a safer and more prosperous society.

 

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday, carried out a cabinet reshuffle.

 

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said the governor announced this in a letter signed by his Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi, in Ibadan, the state capital.

 

The letter stated, “The reshuffle will see the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Seun Ashamu, move to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, while the current Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, will move to the Ministry of Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport.

“The Commissioner for Public Works, Dahud Shangodoyin, has been moved to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. Similarly, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Solihu Adelabu, has been moved to the Ministry of Establishments and Training, while the current Commissioner for Establishments, Segun Olayiwola, will now man the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.”

 

Makinde said the movements are with immediate effect, urging them to continue to discharge their duties with utmost loyalty and commitment to the state.

 

The Oyo State Government has signed contracts worth N3.5bn for the first phase of upgrading and remodelling three rural markets across the state.

 

The initiative, under the Oyo State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, aims to modernise rural markets to support agricultural productivity and improve market access for farmers and traders.

 

The markets selected for the first phase include Aare-Alasa Market in Akanran, Ona-Ara Local Government Area; Oja-Agbe Market in Iseyin Local Government Area; and Oja-Oba Market in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area.

 

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, disclosed this in a statement issued by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan on Sunday.

 

Olaleye reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming rural markets into functional and modern hubs equipped with upgraded infrastructure, improved storage facilities, and enhanced access roads.

 

“These markets will undergo comprehensive modernisation, including upgraded infrastructure, enhanced storage facilities, improved access roads, and other critical features aimed at streamlining agricultural logistics and supporting both farmers and traders,” he said.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Abosede Owoeye, described the contract signing as a significant milestone in the state’s agricultural transformation efforts.

 

She noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision of ensuring food security and economic empowerment in rural communities.

 

The Coordinator of OY-RAAMP, Adeola Ekundayo, stated that the N3.5bn allocation covers N1,227,196,608.81 for the Aare-Alasa Market in Ona-Ara LGA, N1,219,954,792.90 for the Oja-Agbe Market in Iseyin LGA, and N1,042,800,042.63 for the Oja-Oba Market in Ibarapa Central LGA.

 

Ekundayo explained that the Agro-Logistics component of RAAMP is designed to improve rural market infrastructure, reduce post-harvest losses, and boost rural road linkages, thereby enhancing the accessibility and profitability of agricultural produce.

 

She also announced that Quicbond Nigeria Ltd will handle the Aare-Alasa Market upgrade, Lee Fakino Nigeria Ltd will oversee the Oja-Agbe Market project, and AB-Bond Habitat Ltd has been awarded the contract for Oja-Oba Market.

 

Ekundayo urged the contractors to collaborate with host communities to ensure smooth implementation and long-term sustainability of the projects.

 

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has praised traditional leaders for their crucial role in maintaining peace and security in the state.

 

Speaking at an event where 23 vehicles were distributed to traditional leaders, held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, on Sunday, the governor attributed the success of the state’s non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity to the collaboration between traditional leaders and security agencies.

 

He emphasised that without the support of traditional leaders, the state would not have achieved security and stability.

 

“They have been working day and night, sharing intelligence with security agents and ensuring that they are always close to our people at the community level. That is the reason why our non-kinetic approach towards addressing insecurity is working.

“Without the support of our traditional leaders, we would not have achieved security and stability in Kaduna State. That is why today, we are not only supporting but encouraging you,” he said.

 

The governor commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, for facilitating the distribution of vehicles to traditional leaders.

 

“This is to motivate you, because we cannot achieve much without synergy between the traditional institution, religious leaders, community leaders, and the relevant security agencies in Kaduna State,” he said.

 

Sani noted that Kaduna State has been peaceful for the past two years, with no record of ethno-religious or communal clashes. “Kaduna State is now one of the most peaceful sub-nationals in the country,” he said.

 

The governor highlighted his past achievements as a senator, including bringing interventions worth over ₦20 billion to the state.

 

Notably, the Faculty of Engineering at Kaduna State University, valued at over ₦12 billion, is nearing completion through the efforts of the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Mohammed Sani Abdullahi Dattijo, and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

 

The governor stressed that synergy between government officials and influential figures is crucial for the state’s progress. “That is the synergy we are talking about,” he said, referencing the collaboration on the university project.

 

“Despite the fact that we couldn’t complete it before we left the Senate, one of the sons of Kaduna State, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Mohammed Sani Abdullahi Dattijo, is working closely with the Right Honourable Speaker to ensure that the project is completed. That is the synergy we are talking about,” he added.

 

Earlier, Speaker Abbas stated that the distribution of vehicles was part of a broader collaboration with the governor to strengthen the role of traditional rulers in peacebuilding and governance.

 

“These vehicles are not just for ceremonial purposes; they are meant to serve as essential working tools to aid our traditional rulers in reaching every part of their chiefdoms and emirates,” he said.

The Speaker announced plans to extend vehicle support and the renovation of palaces across all three senatorial districts in the state, captured in the 2025 federal budget.

 

He also disclosed that the ongoing constitution amendment will include provisions to grant traditional rulers a formal role in Nigeria’s governance structure.

 

“I want to assure you that the National Assembly will do everything humanly possible to carve out a prominent role for our traditional rulers beginning from 2026,” he said.