Edo State Police Command has announced the rescue of nine kidnap victims from two separate incidents along the Benin–Lagos corridor and nearby forest areas.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem.

According to the statement, the operation followed a coordinated strategy involving tactical deployments, intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance and sustained bush-combing exercises directed by the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika.

The Command stated that all victims abducted during the recent incident along the Benin–Lagos Expressway were rescued alive.

It attributed the success to the “immediate and massive deployment of tactical teams, intelligence assets, aerial surveillance, and other operational resources,” noting that persistent pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims.

“The sustained rescue efforts, coordinated bush-combing operations, and strategic domination of the area exerted pressure on the kidnappers, ultimately leading to the safe rescue of all victims. They have since received medical evaluation and treatment, and reunited with their families,” the statement added.

In a related development, the Command confirmed the rescue of four additional victims who had earlier been abducted and held in captivity within the Imiegba forest in Agenebode.

Authorities said all rescued individuals have undergone medical checks and are in stable condition, bringing the total number of victims freed to nine.

The Command further assured residents that security presence along the Benin–Lagos Expressway and adjoining forest corridors has been strengthened to prevent further incidents.

Sumner Sambo, Director of News, Arise News, has noted that the best political alliances Nigeria has always had is between the North and Southeast.

He said that from the first republic with Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello and Tafawa Balewa and in the second republic with Alex Ekwueme, alongside Shehu Shagari, Nigeria had its best political alliances.

Sambo was particularly commenting on Peter Obi alliance with Rabiu Kwankwaso and the coming together of their support groups to work in synergy ahead of the general elections.

He also spoke about the significance of Peter Obi’s recent visit to Bauchi State, which according to him, was massive.

“I was in that company of Obi when we went around the country in 2022. The very first place we went was Bauchi, where we had to even visit the Abubakar Tafa Balewa Mausoleum and some of the visuals about Obi, whenever I take a look at them, I’ll see that very first act that we took going around there, and then see him going there today again, but this time around, not going alone, not going with a few people.

“I mean, when we went there in 2022 Obi was relatively unknown, though the Governor hosted him then, but now Obi was going to the same state, and this time around, going with huge political weight and then very strong politicians. I mean, some very top leaders from the South East. You will see that that delegation was actually very, very strong.

“And I’m thinking that the rhetoric that will come out of that meeting will be something that will help to forge an alliance between the North and the South, especially the South East, build bridges more and then help to reduce this tension that we’ve always had.

“Look, the best political alliances that we’ve always had in the country between the North and south have always been between the North and the South East. That is from the First Republic. There has always been that arrangement. Those are the kind of mature politics that we should be seeing at this moment, not the kind of rhetoric that comes out, and it looks like Nigeria is going to war. And then some people are saying that, look, the south east will never be given opportunity.

“When I saw Peter Obi at the Government House in Bauchi I was really happy, because he was received wholeheartedly.”

Accord Party has described as a move in futility the recent protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, by the presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 presidential election, Prof. Christopher Imumolen where he asked the Comission to recognize him as the Chairman of the party.

Accord, in a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, described Imumolen as a political jobber and a clown seeking stomach infrastructure.

National Chairman of the party, Barr. Maxwell Mgbuden said the show being put up by Imumolen was to get cheap publicity and mislead unsuspecting citizens maliciously fabricating factions in political parties where there is none.

DAILY POST reported that on 21st April 2026, Imumolen, who the party said it has expelled from its fold, staged a protest at INEC headquarters Abuja, seeking to be recognised as chairman of the party.

However, Accord said that there is no court order, whatsoever backing his demand and that there is no leadership dispute or faction in Accord, adding, “If there is a court order, Imumolen would have carried and displayed it like a trophy instead of carrying an awkward placard.

“He failed to provide the purported court order to journalists he invited for their news reports as it exists in his fertile imagination after a political hallucination of becoming the Accord chairman, which remains what it is, a mere dream.”

He explained that what the former presidential candidate still parades as a court order was an ex parte order he misled an FCT High Court to obtain on 3rd August 2024, foisted himself as chairman and broke into the party national secretariat on Saturday, 31st August 2024 which the national leadership of the party quickly approached the court and filed Motion No. M/11943/2024, seeking for an order of court to set aside the order of court obtained by fraud.

He said that On 2nd September 2024, Hon. Justice M. M. Adamu of the FCT High Court Vacation Court 3, ruled: “It shall be noted that Interim Orders lapse after seven days. I order for status quo to be maintained pending the outcome of the Motion on Notice.”

Accord urged citizens, particularly aspirants who desire to contest elections on the platform of the party, to be mindful of Imumolen.,

He added, “If Imumolen’s aim is to give the public impression that there is a leadership dispute or faction in Accord, he failed woefully. Nigerians know that there is no faction in Accord as members are united.

“Accord dissociates itself from Imumolen’s misplaced showmanship at INEC headquarters. It did not emanate from the party.

“Imumolen’s distraction has been adequately addressed by the party as equally reported in the national media. We will not dissipate energy responding to the antics of a failed politician.”

Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have raided a clandestine arms manufacturing site in Gwandanu Village, Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State and arrested two suspects caught while fabricating sophisticated firearms.

Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE, in a statement said during the precise tactical raid, troops seized a substantial cache of weaponry and industrial equipment used for the production of illegal arms.

Items recovered includes the following two AK-47 rifles and one G3 rifle, alongside a suite of manufacturing tools such as two generating sets, a welding machine, a drilling machine, a hand filler, and a comprehensive technical toolbox.

In ​a related engagement, troops deployed at Gidan Waya, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, responded to armed attack on members of the Forest Guards and Vigilante Group of Nigeria. ​

The troops in collaboration with Forest Guards pursued the assailant towards the Jaginde Forest axis, and upon sighting the approaching troops around Ungwar Maruwa, the suspected criminals abandoned their motorcycle and fled into the bush. But, troops intercepted and arrested one of the fleeing suspects.

Items recovered includes; AK 47 rifle, one AK 49 rifle, a motorcycle and a sleeping mat.

​The arrested suspects are currently in custody undergoing investigation to determine the extent of their distribution network and any potential links to wider criminal syndicates.

A fresh industrial crisis is brewing at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State between the management and the members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP.

The Union accused the Rector of the institution of threatening the life of its chairman, among other unaddressed sundry issues and grievances.

A statement by Tunde Ayedun on behalf of the union, alleged that a request for an emergency meeting with the management was declined on the basis that the management was attending a party in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state.

However, when the two meetings eventually held on April 20, 2026 at 10:00a.m, and 3:00p.m, the union alleged that the Rector of the institution, threatened the union chairman that “his life is tenured” which led to the abrupt end of the second meeting.

Consequently, the union issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Rector to withdraw the threat or face a-14-day notice of strike.

According to the union, “the threat has not only sent jitters to the leadership of the chapter but has been perceived to equally require a legal and industrial perspective because matters that relate to life must not be handled with levity.

“The CEC is seriously concerned that threats have become the response of ‘this’ management to matters of concern that was advanced to them through the congress communique.

“The Union is hereby requesting for an unequivocal withdrawal of the life threatening statement by the Rector with assurances within 48hours or instant consideration would be given to legal and industrial remedies.

“Without prejudice to the above, our 14-day notice of strike remains operational,” the union stated.

In a swift reaction, the management declared that “at no time during the said meetings did the Rector make any statement that could be construed as a threat to the life of any individual”.

A statement by the spokesman of the institution, Olayinka Iroye, said, “The allegation is therefore inaccurate, misleading, and does not reflect the true account of proceedings at the meetings.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the statement credited to the Rector ‘everything in life is tenured, including our careers and indeed our lives’ was purely philosophical.

“It conveyed a general and universally acknowledged truth about the transient nature of human existence and was neither directed at any individual nor intended as a threat, whether implicit or explicit.

“It is also pertinent to note that, contrary to the narrative being circulated, the meeting was marked by instances of unguarded, rude utterances and verbal exchanges directed at the Rector by some members of the ASUP leadership, following earlier tensions relating to engagements involving the Polytechnic Librarian.”

The management explained that it considered it necessary to make the clarification in order to prevent the spread of misinformation, avoid undue heating of the polity, and forestall unnecessary escalation of issues capable of disrupting the peace and stability of the institution.

While noting the concerns raised by the Union, the Polytechnic Management reiterated its commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and constructive engagement in resolving all outstanding matters.

“We therefore appeal to ASUP to embrace amicable resolution in the interest of peace, industrial harmony, and the continued progress of the Polytechnic.

“Management remains open to further discussions aimed at sustaining a cordial and productive working relationship with all stakeholders,” it stated.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a 30 per cent reduction in charges owed by airlines to Nigeria’s aviation agencies.

The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, disclosed the development on Thursday, noting that the decision was aimed at easing the burden of rising operational costs on airline operators.

According to him, the approval was conveyed during an official engagement.

“So this evening, Mr. President just communicated to us through the Chief of Staff, while we were at the meeting, that he’s granting a 30 percent discount to all airlines,” Mr. Keyamo said.

DAILY POST reports that the discount covers outstanding debts owed to key aviation agencies, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

The move follows a meeting between the federal government, led by the aviation minister, and major industry stakeholders recently.

Airline operators in Nigeria had earlier warned of a possible shutdown of operations or an increase in airfares due to the surge in aviation fuel prices.

They also called for debt waivers from aviation agencies as part of measures to avert disruption in services.

The Centre for the Advocacy for Human Rights and Social Justice has thrown its weight behind the decision of the Ogun East Senatorial District caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to restrict attendance at its recent meeting to duly accredited members, describing the move as a necessary step to preserve order, discipline and institutional integrity.

In a press release made available to journalists and signed by its Leader, Olufemi Akindele, the group said the controversy surrounding the alleged exclusion of Senator Gbenga Daniel was being unnecessarily amplified, stressing that party structures must be respected by all members, regardless of status.

The organisation maintained that caucus meetings are governed by clear guidelines and are not open gatherings, noting that attendance is typically based on prior invitation and recognition within the party hierarchy. It argued that the decision to limit participation was neither arbitrary nor targeted, but consistent with established norms aimed at ensuring productive deliberations.

According to the statement, attempts to portray the development as an affront to Senator Daniel were misplaced, adding that internal party mechanisms should not be misrepresented in a way that could mislead the public or create avoidable tension.

“The decision of the caucus to admit only invited stakeholders is in line with democratic best practices within political parties. Discipline, order and respect for procedure are the pillars upon which any credible political institution must stand,” the group stated.

The Centre further called on Daniel to demonstrate statesmanship by respecting party decisions and utilising internal channels to address any grievances, rather than resorting to public criticism. It noted that as a ranking member of the party, the former governor is expected to model democratic conduct and contribute to strengthening, rather than undermining, party cohesion.

While urging restraint among supporters, the group cautioned against dragging the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, into what it described as a purely party-driven matter. It reiterated that the meeting in question was not convened by the state government, but by party stakeholders acting within their constitutional framework.

“It is important, that political leaders separate governance from party administration. Bringing the person of the governor into this issue only serves to politicise a straightforward organisational procedure,” the statement added.

The group emphasized that healthy democracies thrive on respect for rules and collective decisions, not on personal interpretations of entitlement. It warned that persistent public attacks on party processes could weaken internal democracy and set a poor example for younger members.

Concluding, the Centre urged all stakeholders within the APC to remain committed to unity and due process, while encouraging Senator Daniel to align with the principles of party discipline and democratic engagement in resolving disputes.

With the collapse of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), positioned itself as the “Second Force” and strategic alternative for high-profile politicians.

Opposition politicians have since flooded the party as the most viable alternative outside the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

However, as the 2027 general elections draw closer, the party is no longer just fighting for the ballot, it is fighting itself.

What was intended to be a “mega-coalition” to challenge the Bola Tinubu-led administration has instead become a battleground of tenure disputes and “hijacked” structures.

DAILY POST reports that this crisis has spread its wings down to Ogun, the Gateway state, and many other states of the Federation, thus dividing the party into two factions, with each claiming constitutional legitimacy.

Both factions, which are said to be aligned with the same leadership of David Mark, conducted their congress at the same time, same day, but at different locations in the state.

Two factional chairmen, one publicity secretary emerges

On Saturday, April 11, the party at its secretariat in Abeokuta, held its state executive congress, which returned Femi Soluade as chairman, flanked by Babatunde Adedeji as deputy, Agbebiyi Olusoji as secretary, Yinka Ogunlade as treasurer, Abideen Obanla as PWD leader with Olumide Onabajo as the publicity secretary alongside 18 others.

The congress was conducted and chaired by Moshood Salvador and the swearing-in ceremony was administered by the state legal adviser, Barrister Femi Aina.

However, our correspondent observed that while the congress was ongoing, a parallel congress was also held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta and supervised by national officials led by Chairman of the Congress Committee, Hon. Olatunji Soyinka, the Deputy National Financial Secretary, Hon. Oladimeji Fabiyi, a National Ex Officio, Motunrayo Odumosu, alongside other members of the congresses committee; Bashir Lawal, the secretary and Musa Odujobi, Yemisi Adegoke and Kunle Ashiru.

The congress produced 56 state officers with Emmanuel Famojuro as the state’s party chairman, Adebanjo Olalekan as deputy chairman, Soaga Akintoye as secretary, Sanni Gbenga as treasurer, Olufade Iyanu as the state PWD leader, Bernard Kuyoro as financial secretary and again Onabajo Olumide as the publicity secretary among others.

The congress chairman, Soyinka, who is a former House of Representatives member presented a harmonised list of the new executives, which according to him, reflected the agreement and decisions of all party leaders and sections of the ADC.

“By the power conferred on me, I have accepted, based on the list submitted to our committee, that the new state chairman will be Mr. Emmanuel Famojuro,” Soyinka said, declaring that the congress was conducted “in accordance with the party’s guidelines and constitution.”

“When we came into the state, we gave notice of the congress to all. Anybody that’s not here is on his own, and our decision here is final,” he asserted.

Famojuro-led faction accuses Soluade of backstabbing party

However, the Famojuro-led faction of the party accused Soluade of backstabbing and preventing potential aspirants from joining the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Recall that on the 14th of February, Soluade announced the suspension of Jimi Lawal over alleged anti-party activities and unveiled a caretaker committee to temporarily fill vacant state executive and local government chairmanship positions across the state.

The next day, the party in a rejoinder signed by its publicity secretary, Olumide Onabajo, nullified the purported suspension of Jimi Lawal and passed a vote of no confidence in its chairman, Soluade, suspending him from office for alleged leading armed thugs to disrupt an event organized by Lawal in Abeokuta.

“The Constitution of our great party does not empower the State Chairman, acting unilaterally, to suspend any member of the party— let alone a leader of the stature of H.E. Jimi Lawal.

“Suspension of any member must follow laid-down constitutional procedures, including due process, fair hearing, and ratification by the appropriate organs of the party.

“Furthermore, the State Chairman does not possess unilateral powers to dissolve duly elected executives, appoint caretaker committees, or fill executive positions at the State or Local Government levels without the approval of the constitutionally recognized organs of the party.

“Any such appointments, announcements, suspensions, or restructuring purportedly made are therefore unconstitutional, illegal, and cannot stand.

“The committee particularly condemns in strong terms the incident of Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Intercontinental Hotel, Ibara, where a peaceful gathering was ongoing for the public declaration of the governorship aspiration of Jimi Lawal.

“The State Chairman arrived at the venue, accompanied by armed thugs, disrupted the event and caused serious chaos,” the statement added.

However, the party in another statement on Monday, 16th February, resolved to reinstate Femi Soluade, urging stakeholders and supporters to put past misunderstandings behind them and work collectively towards building a formidable stronger party.

Speaking at the Saturday’s congress, the deputy national financial secretary, Oladimeji Fabiyi, argued that the state leadership under Femi Soluade dragged the party backwards, alleging that he turned the ADC into a marketplace for negotiations rather than a vehicle for governance.

“The outgoing leadership has not done so well for ADC in the state. They have turned the party into a transactional party, where they go about negotiating. In fact, their leadership has sent so many quality aspirants away from running because they didn’t see any hope; they are not inspired.

“The people of Ogun State have been calling on us, saying this situation cannot continue,” he stated.

He added that the party has now set a new direction, expressing optimism that the ADC is ready for renewed growth and success under the new leadership.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the congress committee, insisted that the party would only recognise authentic members and the newly elected executives.

Soyinka described the transition as a step towards victory for the party and expressed confidence in Famojuro’s leadership, arguing that no individual is bigger than the party, predicting a brighter future for the ADC.

“He is someone who will lead Ogun State to where we want it to be. It is green all over the world that ADC is the next government in Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole,” he added.

‘Kangaroo election, I remain authentic recognized leader’ – Soluade hits back

Soluade declared himself to be the state’s only legitimate and acknowledged party leader. He referred to the congress that elected Famojuro as a “kangaroo election.”

He emphasized that there is no division within the Ogun ADC and any insinuation of a faction is false and aimed at destabilising the party ahead of the next elections.

According to him, the party in Ogun State is still cohesive under his leadership, with a distinct line of command and compliance with the national body’s directions.

Soluade also announced the suspension of a planned mock or shadow inauguration earlier scheduled to hold at the party secretariat, describing the move as a strategic decision.

He clarified that the decision to put the event on hold should not be mistaken for weakness or retreat, but rather a demonstration of discipline and respect for institutional processes.

“It was a kangaroo election. I emerged as the Bonafide State Chairman of ADC. We were duly screened on the 9th of April but jesters were never screened on the 9th April by the national body. All Executives of my cabinet were duly affirmed by consensus and duly sworn in,” he insisted.

He insisted that the party is unwavering and will not allow outside pressure or legal challenges stop it from achieving its goals, cautioning those purportedly attempting to sow conflict inside the party to stop, stressing that such attempts would eventually fail.

Publicity Secretary makes U-turn, aligns with Famojuro

In a twist, Olumide Onabajo, who was initially named in the executive lists of both factions, has formally pledged his loyalty to the Famojuro-led executive.

The move came barely 24 hours after Onabajo issued a statement to our correspondent, validating the congress that returned Soluade as Chairman.

In what observers are calling a significant blow to the Soluade camp, Onabajo described his decision as a product of “careful reflection, consultations, and consideration of prevailing circumstances.”

While expressing gratitude to both sides for recognizing his contributions, he lamented that despite being a long-term loyalist and a key figure in projecting the party’s image since 2020, the Soluade-led team failed to offer him the necessary support, citing a desire for stability and a leadership structure that aligns with his vision for the party’s growth.

His words, “It is no longer news that two parallel congresses were held in Ogun State on Saturday, 11th April, 2026, each producing different outcomes and leadership structures within our great party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“It is also a known fact that both congresses, one chaired by Otunba Dr. Femi Soluade and the other by Mr. Emmanuel Famojuro produced my name as the elected State Publicity Secretary. I sincerely appreciate both sides for recognizing my efforts and the value of my contributions to the party over the years.

“However, at this critical juncture, it has become necessary for me to clearly state my position.

“I have worked tirelessly for the party, particularly during my time in Ajuwon/Akute, Ifo Local Government. Despite my sacrifices, it is evident that key stakeholders, including Hon. Ojerinde Olusola and Comrade Salau, have not demonstrated support or consideration for my efforts.

“This observation also extends to the Otunba Femi Soluade led team. While I will refrain from going into extensive details, I remain confident that my commitment, sacrifices, and personal investments in the party are known to God and to those who have followed my journey.

“After careful reflection, consultations, and consideration of prevailing circumstances, I have made the decision to align with the team led by Mr. Emmanuel Famojuro,” Onabajo stated.