Political tensions in Osun State intensified on Wednesday as the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Imole Campaign Council exchanged accusations following separate incidents that claimed lives and left several people injured ahead of the governorship election.

The latest exchanges came after the death of an Accord Party member, Ajayi Aderogba, popularly known as Rogba, in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area, on Tuesday, and a separate road accident involving APC supporters travelling for a political rally in Ede on Wednesday.

A member of the House of Representatives and Director-General of the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council, Oluwole Oke, rejected allegations linking him and the APC to Aderogba’s killing during preparations for a political event supporting Governor Ademola Adeleke’s second-term bid.

The accusation was first made by the spokesperson for the Adeleke Campaign Organisation and Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, who alleged that Oke had attempted to frustrate the political programme in Esa-Oke and was connected to the incident that led to Aderogba’s death.

Responding through his media aide, Tunde Omolebi-Sunday, Oke described the allegations as false, premature and unsupported by evidence, insisting that neither he nor the APC had any involvement in the killing.

“Such conclusions, made without any credible investigation or report from security agencies, are not only premature but deeply irresponsible. Oke and the APC had no connection whatsoever to the death and urged security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation,” the statement said.

The lawmaker also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and called on residents and political actors to allow investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Meanwhile, the Imole Campaign Council issued a separate statement mourning APC supporters involved in a truck accident on their way to a rally in Ede, describing the development as tragic and extending sympathies to the bereaved families and injured victims.

The council said it was “profoundly saddened” by reports that a truck allegedly suffered brake failure and rammed into a procession of APC supporters, resulting in one fatality and leaving several others receiving treatment in hospital.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family of the departed and everyone touched by the loss. The council wishes those injured a speedy recovery and prays against a recurrence of such incidents,” it stated.

However, the council criticised the conduct of the APC campaign organisation after the accident, alleging that party leaders continued political activities despite the loss of lives.

It also referenced allegations previously made against Oke regarding the death of the Accord Party member in Esa-Oke.

Concerns over the absence of two major political parties dominated discussions at a Nigeria Police-organised stakeholders’ peace meeting in Osogbo on Wednesday as preparations intensify for the 2026 Osun State governorship election.

Representatives of smaller political parties criticised the failure of the ruling Accord and the All Progressives Congress, APC, to attend the meeting organised by the Osun State Police Command and other security agencies.

The gathering brought together political parties, electoral officials and security stakeholders, who used the forum to advocate peaceful conduct before, during and after the election.

Several participants expressed worries that the absence of the two parties could undermine efforts aimed at promoting a violence-free electoral process in the state.

Speaking at the meeting, the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, Adewale Adebayo, described the boycott as troubling, noting that the parties involved should have participated in discussions designed to foster peace.

“It is scary that the two political parties that have been fingered at one point or another for killing, maiming and harassing each other’s supporters are not here. They need to be here to agree to the terms of peace,” he said.

He added that the APM would continue to work with security agencies to support a peaceful and credible election in Osun State.

The Chairman of the BOOT Party in Osun, Prince Adesoji Adeleke, also faulted the absence of the Accord and the APC, arguing that their participation was essential to the success of the peace initiative.

“The two political parties causing the problem for us in the state are not here. This is disgusting. What is the essence of our sitting here? They know what they plan for themselves ahead of the election,” he said.

Earlier, Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan urged political actors to conduct their campaigns responsibly and cooperate with security agencies throughout the electoral period.

Gotan said parties and candidates should notify the police and other security agencies before holding rallies, processions or political gatherings to enable adequate security arrangements and prevent possible clashes.

“Early notification will enable security agencies to deploy personnel effectively, provide adequate security coverage, manage traffic, prevent clashes, and ensure the safety of participants as well as members of the public,” he said.

He also warned against the destruction of opponents’ campaign materials.

Also addressing participants, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Osun State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, expressed concern over recent violence in the state, saying incidents that resulted in loss of lives had created fear among residents and political stakeholders.

She urged parties, candidates and supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns, reject hate speech and misinformation, and respect the rule of law throughout the election period.

Abia State Government has said that a petroleum pipeline laid about seventy years ago is responsible for the explosion that occurred in Umuololo Owaza, Ukwa West LGA of the State.

The  pipeline, which is part of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 11,  exploded at about 1:30 am Monday, causing a serious oil spill that affected people’s homes, farms, schools, shops and livestock.

Inspecting the extent of damage, officials of the Abia State government expressed concern about the environmental impacts the  explosion had on residents of Umuololo.

The State government’s delegation led by Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Asonye Ogbonna and Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Professor Joel Ogbonna,  lamented that several buildings and  other property were severely affected in Umuololo, though no life was lost.

Speaking at the site of the explosion, Abia State Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Professor Joel Ogbonna said that preliminary findings showed that the exploded pipeline  was laid about seventy years ago and should not have  remained in use by 2026.

He directed the oil company that owns the pipeline to immediately clean up the affected community and to replace the old pipeline, in order  to prevent a future disaster.

Also, Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, assured the affected villagers that the Abia State government was closely monitoring the situation, saying that efforts were on to address the incident.

Ogbonna said that the administration of Governor Alex Otti is determined to protect Abia communities from environmental pollution, degradation and other safety challenges.

The Nigeria Police Force has clarified a video circulating online showing a police officer allegedly interacting with bandits riding on motorcycles.

CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniesu, Force Public Relations Officer, in a statement described as video as tissues of lies emanating from the pit of hell.

According to the statement, it’s a calculated attempt to destroy the image of the Nigeria Police Force, noting that the video captured a routine interaction between a police officer and security volunteers as they proceeded to a designated operational area in support of efforts to combat criminality and enhance public safety.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the individuals featured in the video are not bandits. They are duly recognized members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters who are actively supporting ongoing security operations in collaboration with security agencies in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State,” the statement said

It said any claim suggesting otherwise is entirely false, malicious, and intended to mislead the public, adding that the police force condemns the deliberate distortion of facts and the circulation of misinformation capable of causing public anxiety, undermining confidence in security institutions, and frustrating ongoing security operations.

It urged members of the public to disregard the misleading claims attached to the video and rely only on information disseminated through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorized government sources.

The Force warns individuals and groups engaged in the creation, publication, or dissemination of false information capable of prejudicing public peace and security to desist immediately, as appropriate legal action may be taken against violators.

After spending six months in prison custody without the commencement of substantive trial proceedings, a Taraba State based journalist, Gabriel Olayinka may finally have an opportunity to defend himself in court as the Upper Area Court II in Jalingo, the state capital, has fixed July 2, 2026, for a definite hearing in his case.

The development came on Wednesday after the court, presided over by Justice Lawan Jika, granted a request by the defence for accelerated hearing in the case involving allegations of criminal breach of trust brought against the journalist by one Mr. Isa Jubri.

For Olayinka, the court’s decision represents a significant step in a legal battle that has kept him behind bars for half a year without witnesses being called or substantive proceedings commencing.

For observers, however, the case has become a symbol of growing concerns over prolonged pre-trial detention and delays in the administration of justice.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, prosecuting counsel, Barrister D.G. Tukura, informed the court that the prosecution was still awaiting statements of account and other relevant documents from three commercial banks. He also indicated that key witnesses required for the prosecution’s case had yet to appear before the court.

The request effectively signaled another possible delay in a matter that has already stretched over several months.

However, the defence strongly opposed any further adjournment. Representing Olayinka, Barrister Longs Lugnan of P.D. Pius & Associates argued that the prosecution had repeatedly failed to produce substantial witnesses despite the continued incarceration of his client.

“Justice delayed is justice denied. This matter has suffered prolonged delay while my client remains in prison. We pray for accelerated hearing,” Lugnan told the court.

His argument appeared to resonate with the court, as Justice Jika subsequently fixed July 2, 2026, for a definite hearing, signaling a determination to move the matter forward.

Olayinka’s continued detention has generated considerable attention within media and civil society circles in Taraba State and beyond.

The journalist has remained in custody since his arrest over allegations arising from a complaint lodged by Isa Jubri.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, critics have questioned why substantive trial proceedings have not commenced after six months, especially in a case involving an accused person who remains incarcerated.

Legal practitioners noted that prolonged detention before trial often raises concerns about the constitutional right to fair hearing within a reasonable time, a principle enshrined in Nigeria’s legal framework.

Although courts are sometimes confronted with procedural challenges, including delays in obtaining documentary evidence and securing witnesses, legal observers argue that prolonged adjournments can undermine public confidence in the justice system.

In a related development, the State High Court sitting in Jalingo, also on Wednesday mentioned Olayinka’s application seeking a review of his bail conditions.

The application is viewed by supporters of the journalist as another avenue through which he may regain his freedom pending the conclusion of his trial.

However, the matter suffered a setback after prosecuting counsel, Barrister Tukura, requested additional time to respond to the application.

He attributed the delay to technical difficulties involving his work device.
Following the request, the court adjourned proceedings on the bail review application until July 6, 2026.
Broader Concerns

The Olayinka case has increasingly drawn public scrutiny not only because of the allegations against him but also because of the length of time he has remained in custody without substantive trial proceedings.

Human rights advocates and legal analysts have repeatedly warned that prolonged pre-trial detention contributes to prison congestion and raises fundamental questions about access to justice.

For many observers, the July 2 hearing date will be closely watched as a test of whether the judicial process can finally move beyond preliminary delays and address the substance of the allegations before the court.

As Olayinka awaits the next hearing from prison custody, attention remains focused on whether the prosecution will be ready to present its witnesses and documentary evidence, and whether the long-awaited trial will finally begin after six months of legal uncertainty.