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Police dismiss officers over alleged kidnapping, robbery, extortion in Rivers

Nigeria Police Force has announced the dismissal, arrest and prosecution of officers allegedly involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion and other criminal activities in Rivers State.

The development was disclosed in a statement posted on the official page of the Nigeria Police Force on May 14, 2026.

According to the statement, the affected officers were linked to cases involving conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office and unlawful operations carried out within Rivers State and surrounding areas.

Investigations uncovered a syndicate involving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, identified as Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis and Olayemi Titus.

The Force alleged that the officers engaged in illegal stop-and-search operations in Port Harcourt where victims were reportedly abducted and forced to transfer money from their bank and cryptocurrency accounts.

According to the statement, three other officers identified as Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa are currently at large.

Investigators recovered three Toyota Sienna buses allegedly used for the operations, alongside N7,338,800 allegedly linked to the operations.

In a separate case, the Force also identified another group of officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations, Rivers State Command, over alleged acts of kidnapping, extortion and official corruption.

The officers identified as Inspectors John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu and Anele Ikechukwu were dismissed after internal disciplinary proceedings, while the matter was forwarded for prosecution.

“The leadership of the Force under the Inspector-General of Police remains resolute in its determination to identify, expose, and remove criminal elements from within the institution,” the statement read.

admin by — May 15, 2026 in News 0
Police ban PoS transactions inside FCID Annex Lagos

Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Lagos, has prohibited Point of Sale (PoS) operations within its premises.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG, in charge of the FCID Annex Lagos, Simeon Akpanudom, announced the directive on Thursday during a general lecture and strategic meeting with sectional heads at the command headquarters.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the FCID Annex spokesperson, ASP Aminat Mayegun, who noted that the directive aligns with instructions from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

According to Akpanudom, PoS activities within police premises are inconsistent with security standards and operational ethics, warning that such practices could create opportunities for corruption and compromise official procedures.

The AIG urged officers to maintain professionalism, discipline and strict compliance with due process while carrying out their duties.

He also directed that all intelligence reports must be properly scrutinised and verified by sectional heads before submission.

Akpanudom further tasked supervisory officers with ensuring effective monitoring of personnel and enforcing adherence to professional standards in order to reduce misconduct within the command.

He warned officers against handling land-related disputes indiscriminately, insisting that all investigations must follow laid-down legal and investigative procedures.

The police chief also cautioned against acts capable of damaging the image of the Nigeria Police Force, stressing the need for officers to project credibility and professionalism in their conduct.

He advised personnel to respect the established chain of command and maintain discipline in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Akpanudom reiterated that acts of unprofessional conduct would not be tolerated and warned that erring officers would face disciplinary action where necessary.

He encouraged officers to remain committed to integrity, accountability and dedicated service to the nation.

admin by — May 15, 2026 in News 0
Osun kingmakers endorse Gov Adeleke’s directive to forestall Ikirun crisis

Six kingmakers in Ikirun town, Osun State, have declared support for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s directive to the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to contain alleged plans to cause mayhem in the town.

The chiefs made their position known in a statement jointly signed by the kingmakers—Chief Diekola Toogun (Odofin), Chief Oluwole Atoyebi (Ojomu), Chief Bamidele Onifade (Elemon), Chief Raheem Okunlola (Jagun), Chief Sulaiman Olaore (Oluawo Onifa), and Chief Azeez Muritala (Obaale) obtained in Osogbo on Thursday.

In the statement, they accused the Eesa of Ikirunland, Chief Abdulkareem Adetoyese, of actions they claimed could undermine peace in the community.

They alleged that Adetoyese had been misleading residents by claiming authority to appoint a monarch for the town, contrary to the official position of the state government.

“It is on record that Chief Abdulkareem Adetoyese, Eesa of Ikirunland, has been engaging in nocturnal moves to violently disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in the town,” the statement read.

They added that such claims were “contrary to the tenor of the government’s gazetted position” regarding the appointment of a monarch.

The kingmakers noted that the state government’s directive issued on May 14, 2026, cautioning residents to shun violence, was a timely intervention.

They declared their alignment with the government’s stance as outlined in the White Paper released on 25 January 2024 concerning the Akinrun stool.

“We abide by the position of the government as contained in the White Paper and appreciate the peace being promoted by all affected persons, except some unscrupulous elements,” the statement added.

The chiefs also commended the police and other law enforcement agencies for what they described as swift action to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the town.

However, when contacted, Adetoyese dismissed the allegations, saying, “I never made any nocturnal move to truncate the peace of Ikirunland. I am the head of the kingmakers and my duty is to ensure peace at every point in time.

“They had earlier made allegations against me at the police station but all I know is that what they are saying is not true. These people are only jittery about the present situation. I am not fighting anybody.”

admin by — May 15, 2026 in News 0
NJC sends Omotosho, Nwite, 10 other judges to Tinubu for appointment as Appeal Court Justices

The National Judicial Council, NJC, has forwarded 12 High Court Judges to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointment as Justices of the Court of Appeal ahead of the litigations that may arise in the 2027 general elections.

The recommendations of the judges to the Presidency for elevation into the intermediary Appellate Court Bench was made by the NJC at its just concluded 111th meeting presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Motomori.

NJC in a statement on Friday by its Deputy Director of Information, Mrs Kemi Babalola Ogedengbe said that the Court of Appeal Justices, when appointed, would fill the vacancies at the Court occasioned by elevation of some to the Supreme Court bench and retirement of others upon attaining retirement age.

Prominent among the Federal High Court judges sought be moved to the Court of Appeal are Justices James Kolawole Omotosho and Emeka Nwite, who in recent times handled high profile political and criminal matters effectively at the Federal High Court bench.

Other High Court judges are Yakubu Mohammed, Abodunde Oluwatoyin, Ajuwa Raphael, Abua Ojie, Ijohor Jennifer, Shuaib Bala, Buba Njana, Kado Sanusi, Adeola Enikuomehin and Dandom Veronica.

They were recommended to President Tinubu after passing through rigorous interviews and found worthy of being diligent judicial of repute in character and performance.

In the same vein, Christine Clement Ende was recommended for appointment into Benue High Court bench while Ibrahim Yakubu and Bala Daura were recommended for appointment as Kadi of Katsina Sharia Court of Appeal.

Two other High Court Judges have, however, been penalized for various judicial misconduct in the discharge of their judicial functions.

They are Ibrahim Shekarau of the High Court of Benue state and Edward Okpe of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory who were placed on one year suspension without pay.

They were found guilty for granting frivolous orders against litigants appearing before them and outright denial of fair hearing to favour an opposing party.

Similarly, eight other Imo State High Court Judges sent on compulsory retirement lost their battle to have their reviewed and recalled back into service.

The NJC refused their plea and they are B. C Iheka, K. A Leaweanya, Okereke Ngozi, Innocent Ibeawuchi, Ofoha Uchenna, Everyman Eleanya, Rosemond Ibe and T. N Nzeukwu.

The NJC had indicted them for fraud of falsifying their ages to enable them stay longer in service and were subsequently retired from the service.

The NJC statement just released by the Deputy Director indicates that 256 Judicial officers got queried for various offences especially poor performance in the discharge of their duties.

Also, the NJC dismissed 73 petitions filed against other judicial officers by some lawyers and litigants.

The petitions were found to be baseless and without merit to warrant issuing punishment against any of the judicial officers.

admin by — May 15, 2026 in News 0
Heirs Insurance Group ranks among Africa’s fastest-growing firms

Heirs Insurance Group has secured double recognition, with its member companies, Heirs Life Assurance and Heirs General Insurance, earning spots on the 2026 Financial Times ranking of Africa’s fastest-growing companies.

The ranking, regarded as one of the continent’s most authoritative benchmarks for business performance and expansion, featured 130 companies across various sectors. According to the ranking, Heirs Life Assurance placed seventh, while Heirs General Insurance ranked 41st, positioning both firms among Africa’s leading growth companies.

The ranking, compiled with research company Statista, measures compound growth rate in revenues between 2021 and 2024.

Heirs Insurance Group, in a statement on Thursday, said the dual recognition reflected “exceptional growth” recorded during the assessment period, driven by what it called consistent financial strength, customer-centric innovation, an expanded product portfolio and operational excellence

It added that the recognition validated its long-term vision of redefining insurance in Africa.

Commenting on the achievement, the Sector Head of Heirs Insurance Group, Niyi Onifade, said, “We are immensely proud that both Heirs Life Assurance and Heirs General Insurance have been recognised among Africa’s fastest-growing companies. This ranking is a validatin of our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional value to our customers and our focus on sustainable, technology-driven growth.

“As proud pioneers of digital transformation in the Nigerian insurance sector, we continue to reflect the spirit of excellence defined by our parent company, Heirs Holdings. We are committed to building financial resilience, not just in Nigeria but across the entire African continent.”

According to the company, the recognition comes shortly after the group launched PrinceAI, a multi-language generative artificial intelligence assistant designed to improve access to insurance services across Africa. According to the group, the platform enables real-time customer engagement and addresses challenges that have historically limited access to insurance coverage.

Heirs Insurance Group, the insurance arm of Heirs Holdings, operates through Heirs General Insurance Limited, Heirs Life Assurance Limited and Heirs Insurance Brokers, serving corporate and individual customers across Nigeria. The company said it remained committed to promoting financial inclusion and expanding digital access to insurance services in the country.

Findings by our correspondent confirmed that Nigeria had 16 companies on the 2026 Financial Times ranking of Africa’s Fastest-Growing Companies, cutting across different sectors including technology, finance, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, logistics and telecommunications. The Nigerian firms on the list are Sabi Holdings, Haul247 Technology, Heirs Life Assurance, Remedial Health, Currenzo Nigeria Ltd, Rank Capital, Comercio Partners Ltd, McNichols Consolidated Plc, Termii Inc, OmniRetail Inc, i-Fitness Centre Ltd, Redtech Ltd, BUA Foods Plc, Sundry Markets Ltd, Heirs General Insurance Ltd and My Credit Investment Ltd.

According to Statista, the 2026 edition of Africa’s Growth Champions ranks companies according to percentage growth in revenues between 2021 and 2024.

To be included in the list, companies had to be independent and have primarily organic revenue growth from at least $100,000 generated in 2021, rising to $1.5m by 2024. Companies also had to have their operational headquarters in Africa.

admin by — May 15, 2026 in Business 0
SEC raises alarm over shady online investment platforms

SEC

The Securities and Exchange Commission has warned Nigerians against the growing number of unregistered online investment schemes being promoted across social media platforms, describing many of them as Ponzi operations designed to defraud unsuspecting investors.

In a public notice dated 8 May 2026, and shared via its official X handle on Thursday, the Commission said several platforms offering guaranteed or unrealistic returns are not registered or authorised to operate in Nigeria’s capital market. According to the SEC, the schemes are being aggressively marketed on WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Telegram, Facebook, and other digital platforms to lure members of the public with promises of quick profits.

“The attention of the Securities and Exchange Commission has been drawn to the increasing promotion of unregistered online investment schemes on social media applications and websites,” the regulator stated.

The Commission noted that many of the operators exhibit characteristics of Ponzi or prohibited investment schemes, while some also provide unauthorised investment advisory services.

It urged Nigerians to avoid investment platforms promising unrealistic returns, warning that such schemes often expose investors to fraud and severe financial losses, stressing that only entities registered with the Commission are legally permitted to offer investment and advisory services in Nigeria.

The regulator advised members of the public to verify the registration status of any investment company or platform through its official fintech and capital market operator databases before committing funds.

admin by — May 15, 2026 in Business 0
Stock market sheds N170bn as investors dump mid-caps

Nigerias-Stock-MarketThe Nigerian equities market retreated on Thursday as a wave of mild profit-taking in several mid-cap stocks dampened the recent rally, resulting in a total loss of N170bn for investors. This downward movement saw the market capitalisation decline from N161.839tn at the start of the session to N161.669tn by the close of trading. In tandem with the drop in market value, the All-Share Index eased  0.11 per cent, moving from 252,508.19 points to 252,243.11 points.

Despite the marginal weakness in the broader index, market breadth remained technically positive as 37 equities managed to advance against 28 decliners. This suggests that while selling pressure in previously strong-performing mid-cap counters weighed on the valuation, buying interest was still distributed across a wide range of stocks.

On the performance board, Learn Africa emerged as the top gainer with a 10.00 per cent surge to close at N9.90, followed closely by Fidson, which rose 9.97 per cent to N124.60. Other significant gainers included Austin Laz, Berger Paints, and Deap Capital, all of which recorded appreciations of over 9.9 per cent.

Conversely, the market was dragged lower by Zichis, which shed 9.99 per cent to close at N32.69, and FTN Cocoa, which declined 9.87 per cent to N9.95. Other notable laggards included Meyer, RT Briscoe, and Neimeth, as investors locked in profits following their recent price appreciations.

Investor sentiment throughout the session was characterised by a rotation between sectors, with bargain hunting in the pharmaceutical and industrial categories partially offsetting the exit from agro-allied and services stocks. Market analysts noted that this selective approach indicates that participants are becoming more cautious and strategic after the index crossed the 250,000-point threshold earlier in the week. As the session concluded, the activity suggested a period of consolidation as investors rebalance their portfolios in anticipation of upcoming corporate earnings and macroeconomic data.

admin by — May 15, 2026 in Business 0
NNPC urged to revive refineries after Dangote snub

The National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, has tackled the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited over its attempt to increase its stake in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery despite the poor state of government-owned refineries.

Ukadike stated this while reacting to comments by the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, that the refinery rejected requests by the NNPC to increase its 7.25 per cent stake in the $20bn facility.

Dangote had disclosed this during an interview with the Chief Executive Officer of the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund, Nicolai Tangen, monitored by our correspondents on Wednesday.

Reacting to the development, Ukadike questioned why the national oil company was seeking to invest more funds in the privately-owned refinery when the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries under its control had remained largely inactive despite billions of dollars spent on rehabilitation.

“Why is NNPC trying to invest money in the Dangote refinery when it has three refineries that are not working? Why is NNPC not investing that money in those ones?” Ukadike asked.

He added, “The NNPC did not revive our refineries, but they want to look for where the refinery is already working to put money into it. Does that make sense?”

The IPMAN spokesman said Dangote had the right to reject the offer from the NNPC if he considered it unsuitable for his business interests.

“If Dangote refused to sell more stakes to NNPC, he must have his reasons. Dangote is a businessman. He doesn’t want issues, unnecessary crises, and nepotism. He knows what he wants, and I also think he has enough cash to fund his business,” he stated.

Ukadike further urged the national oil company to focus on reviving critical oil infrastructure across the country instead of pursuing additional ownership of the refinery. “The NNPC should repair the pipelines and revive the refineries instead of eyeing the Dangote refinery,” he said.

Dangote had stated during the interview that the NNPC was interested in acquiring more shares in the refinery after previously purchasing a 7.25 per cent stake for $1bn in 2021. According to him, the request was rejected because the company planned to list the refinery publicly and allow more Nigerians to own shares in the project.

“The other biggest risk is government inconsistencies in policies, and we are addressing that one because if you look at our refinery, the national oil company already owns 7.25 per cent, and they are trying to buy more. We are the ones that said no; we want to now spread it and have everybody be part of it,” Dangote said.

The NNPC had initially planned to acquire a 20 per cent stake in the refinery, but later reduced its ownership to 7.25 per cent after failing to pay the balance before the June 2024 deadline.

Dangote had explained this in 2024, saying, “The agreement was actually 20 per cent, which we had with NNPC, and they did not pay the balance of the money up until last year; then we gave them another extension up until June (2024), and they said that they would remain where they had already paid, which is 7.2 per cent. So NNPC owns only 7.2 per cent, not 20 per cent.”

However, a stakeholder in the petroleum sector who pleaded for anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter held that the interest of the nation is well served by NNPC having a 20 per cent stake in the Dangote refinery.

“I think Nigeria is better served by NNPC being a shareholder. If NNPC could have taken 20 per cent of that refinery, Nigeria as a country would be better served,” the stakeholder said.

According to him, the fact that the NNPC failed to get the 20 per cent take before does not mean it could not get it again. He said Dangote refused NNPC’s offer because he wants to remain in control.

“You know Dangote is planning to value his company at $50bn. I think he’s going to sell 10 per cent only, so he remains in control, making a lot of money for himself. Selling only 10 per cent means he has 90 per cent. If NNPC were there with 20 per cent, then NNPC would have two directors. These two directors would have some say,” he said.

The stakeholder added that such an important asset cannot exist in a country without the government’s involvement.

“You can’t have such a big asset in the country, and then the government or the government’s agent has no say in the decisions of that company. It can’t happen. It’s wrong. I’m not saying the government must have a say in all the big companies, but in a company that is so big that it can influence whether the sun rises or falls in that country, the government must have a say.

“The refinery is big. In any case, NNPC is also the supplier of last resort. It’s the national oil company. That has some meaning. I think that in the best interest of the country, if we all agree that Dangote is too big to fail, then it means that Nigerians as a people need to be inside the Dangote refinery to make sure it does not fail,” the operator said.

Meanwhile, a senior official of the NNPC said the NNPC is proud of its current stake in the Dangote refinery.

“The NNPC is proud and happy that we own a 7.2 per cent stake in Dangote. And whatever we own as a stake in Dangote as a national oil company is on behalf of the entire Nigeria. So, when the opportunity presents itself in the long term, yes.

“But right now, we are proud of the 7.2 per cent stake we own in the Dangote refinery. Apart from that, the quality and level of collaboration that is currently going on between NNPC and Dangote is in the interest of the entire Nigeria,” the official said, begging not to be mentioned because he was not authorised to speak on the matter.

admin by — May 15, 2026 in Business 0
2027: Imo ADC women leaders rally support for party stability, expansion

The women wing of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Imo State held a strategic leadership meeting at the party’s State Secretariat in New Owerri, reaffirming the unity, strength, and stability of the party across the state.

The meeting brought together local government area women leaders and other stakeholders as part of efforts to strengthen party cohesion, encourage active participation among women, and advance the collective vision of the ADC in Imo State.

The gathering also provided an opportunity for discussions on grassroots mobilisation, party development, and strategies for sustaining the growth and expansion of the party across the 27 local government areas of the state.

In her opening remarks, the State Woman Leader of the party, Uju Ihejiagwa, commended the women leaders for their loyalty, dedication, and commitment to the progress of the party despite prevailing political challenges.

She urged members not to be discouraged by the defection of some party members to other political parties, stating that the ADC in Imo State remains united and focused.

This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Imo ADC New Media, Ihezie Dede Walax, and made available to journalists in Owerri.

According to her, some individuals may attempt to influence or persuade members to leave the party, but the women leaders must remain steadfast and committed to the ideals of the ADC.

“The ADC remains one united family in Imo State. Our strength lies in our togetherness, mutual respect, and shared vision for a better society. As women, we have a major responsibility to sustain the stability of this party and continue mobilising support for its growth across every community,” she stated.

In her remarks, the South-East Zonal Woman Leader, Hon. Barrister Mrs Chioma Joy Anyanwu, applauded the Imo women leadership for their resilience and organisational capacity, while urging them to continue promoting peace, unity, and responsible leadership within the party.

According to her, the ADC remains committed to democratic values, inclusive leadership, and the empowerment of women and youths across the South-East region and beyond.

Among those present were Hon. Lady Leticia Okere, Hon. Mrs Ruth Nwokocha, Hon. Mrs Getrude Iroemeh, Hon. Barr. Chisom Dominic, and Nneoma Gloria Chukwuba, alongside other women stakeholders and party faithful from across the state.

admin by — May 14, 2026 in News 0
APC dismisses rumoured changes to 2027 primary election dates

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging changes to the schedule of its 2027 primary elections.

The clarification was contained in a press statement posted on the official page of APC.

According to the statement, the dates earlier announced for the primary elections remain unchanged.

The APC stated that the House of Representatives primary election would hold on Friday, May 15, 2026 while the Senate primary is scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026.

The party also announced that the State House of Assembly primary election would take place on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, followed by the governorship primary on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

According to the statement, the presidential primary election will hold on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

“This clarification has become necessary following the circulation of false and misleading reports on social media and other communication platforms suggesting otherwise,” the party stated.

admin by — May 14, 2026 in News 0