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.

Bayelsa State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has urged Governor Douye Diri to adopt an inclusive leadership approach that prioritizes the interests of Bayelsans over political agendas, concentrating on policies and programs that foster sustainable development, economic growth, and enhance the welfare of the populace.

Speaking with journalists in Yenagoa, the State Chairman of the NDC, Hon. Dauprebo Ikuromo, called on the Bayelsa State Government to “avoid attempts to entice NDC aspirants with financial incentives designed to create rifts within the party.”

Ikuromo asserted that “no form of inducement can divert the NDC from its objective of assuming leadership in the state.”

He recommended that such “resources should be allocated instead to tackle the state’s urgent developmental issues, including the situation of the commissioned but non-operational gas turbines.”

In response to concerns regarding reported discontent within the party, the NDC Chairman indicated that a comprehensive grievance redress mechanism has been established under the leadership of Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.

He added that the party’s National Executive Council will release the list of candidates for various positions within the timeframe set by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Ikuromo also commended the National Leader of the NDC for his exemplary conduct during the party’s primary elections.

He characterized Dickson’s leadership as commendable, highlighting his ability to manage the primary election process nationwide with fairness, tact, and wisdom, thereby ensuring equitable opportunities for all aspirants.

The Bayelsa NDC further recognized Senator Dickson’s dedication to the inclusion of youth and women in the party’s primaries, describing this initiative as aligned with the principles of affirmative action and enhanced political participation. According to the party Chairman, such policies are vital for cultivating a robust and inclusive political movement.

The NDC chairman, however, called on party members and supporters across Bayelsa State to remain united and focused on the party’s objective of taking over governance from what he described as a ruling party that has failed the nation.

The death of a 14-year-old boy in Ilobu, Osun State, has sparked a fresh war of words between the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Imole Campaign Council, with both sides accusing each other of politicising the tragedy ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

DAILY POST recalls that a teenager, identified as Ezekiel Olapade, was reportedly killed during a shooting incident on Sunday near the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat, Ilobu with nother person also injured during the attack.

The incident has generated widespread concern in the state and intensified political tensions, as rival political parties continue to trade accusations over the circumstances surrounding the killing and the reactions that followed.

The APC, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, criticised Governor Ademola Adeleke’s visit to the bereaved family, alleging that the occasion was transformed into a political event.

According to Olabisi, “the governor should have focused solely on mourning with the family rather than making remarks that the party interpreted as political in nature.

“Such an occasion for strictly mourning the young lad was inappropriate for Governor Adeleke to have turned it to a campaign ground as it could be likened to the state chief executive doing the wrong thing at the wrong time and wrong place,” he said.

The opposition party also questioned the governor’s comments regarding the incident, arguing that it was improper to attribute responsibility for the killing before the conclusion of police investigations.

Olabisi stated, “It didn’t add up and unexpected of a worthy chief executive to have bypassed the police in their investigation when he named the opposition party as being responsible for the killing.”

The APC alleged that there were contradictions in the governor’s position after he reportedly called for a police investigation while simultaneously expressing views on those responsible for the attack.

Meanwhile, the Imole Campaign Council dismissed the APC’s allegations and accused the opposition party of attempting to exploit the teenager’s death for political advantage.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the council expressed concern over what it described as an increase in political violence in Osun State and called on all political actors to exercise restraint.

Olajengbesi said the loss of innocent lives should unite stakeholders in the pursuit of peace rather than deepen political divisions.

“The recent escalation of political violence in Osun is a threat to us all. The loss of innocent lives has no place in a civil society. Democracy cannot thrive where citizens live in fear,” he said.

The council also urged security agencies, including the Inspector-General of Police, to ensure that all residents receive equal protection regardless of political affiliation and warned against selective enforcement of the law.

Olajengbesi maintained that electoral contests should be determined through public support and democratic participation, adding, “Democracy demands persuasion, not coercion.

Political parties should compete with ideas, policies, and performance, not with conduct that threatens public peace and safety.”

The controversy followed allegations by the deceased’s father, Gbenga Olapade, who claimed that his son was struck by a bullet while trying to assist his mother during the chaos.

He also alleged that armed men opened fire near a palm wine bar owned by his wife and the deceased teenager’s mother and that security personnel at the scene failed to intervene as the attackers arrived.

The Kano State Government has marked over 50 properties, including Azman University, as part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal structures across the state.

The Director General of the Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS), Dr. Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, who is also leading the enforcement committee, said the affected property owners have been asked to present their documents or face legal action.

Speaking during the exercise on Tuesday, he explained that the illegal structures include buildings without proper ownership documents or those constructed in restricted areas such as under high-tension power lines or on waterways.

“Some structures have no documents to prove ownership, while others are built in prohibited places like under the national grid or on drainage paths. All these are considered illegal,” he said.

He said the enforcement team visited several locations along Maiduguri Road, Rijiyar Gwangwan, Ladi Makole, Matar Fada road, and other parts of Kano, where many properties were sealed or marked.

“Today alone, we marked more than 50 properties. Our operation is called ‘Operation Show Your Document.’ If you come forward with genuine documents, we will allow you to continue. You will not pay any money,” he said.

Sani stressed that the government is not targeting anyone unfairly, but simply enforcing the law.

“If you do the right thing, you have nothing to worry about. But if you refuse to come forward, then the law will take its course. It is not business as usual,” he added.

At Azman University, the officials did not shut down the institution but placed markings on some structures and asked the management to present all relevant documents.

“We are here at the university. We did not close it, students are still learning, but we have asked the owners to come and present their documents,” he said.

He noted that the university premises include several other facilities such as a filling station and factories, which will also be assessed.

“It is a large property with many structures inside. When they come, they must provide documents for everything, including the filling station and other facilities,” he explained.

The KANGIS boss also emphasized that no one is above the law, regardless of status or political affiliation.

“No exemption in Kano. No matter who you are, you must follow the law. Everyone must go through due process,” he said.

He called on residents to cooperate with the committee, assuring that the exercise is in the best interest of the state.

“In the end, this will benefit all of us. We want a better, more organized Kano,” he added.

Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation into the delivery of a suspicious parcel containing two live rounds of ammunition to the residence of the Managing Director of First Bank of Nigeria, Oluwasegun Alebiosu.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, confirmed the development on Tuesday, describing the incident as a serious security concern.

According to the police commissioner, the parcel was delivered to the bank chief’s residence in the Ikoyi area of Lagos on May 7, 2026.

Fatai disclosed the incident while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja during a review of the command’s activities over the past two weeks.

He explained that the parcel was received by a security guard at the residence on behalf of the bank executive.

“The Managing Director of First Bank reported that a parcel collected by a security guard at his residence was later opened and found to contain two live rounds of ammunition,” the commissioner said.

He added that the recovered ammunition was identified as 7.62mm calibre rounds, prompting the police to immediately commence investigations into the matter.

The commissioner noted that no arrest had been made so far but assured that detectives were actively pursuing all available leads to uncover those responsible for the act.

According to him, the complainant had mentioned certain individuals he suspected might be connected to the incident, but stressed that such claims remained allegations pending the outcome of investigations.

“Those mentioned are merely suspects based on the complainant’s suspicion. Our investigation will determine those truly connected to the incident,” he stated.

Fatai urged members of the public to avoid speculation while investigations remain ongoing, noting that all claims and allegations would be thoroughly scrutinised before any conclusion is reached.

He also clarified that no individual or organisation had officially been linked to the incident at this stage.

The police commissioner assured that the investigation would be exhaustive and pledged that anyone found responsible would be brought to justice.

Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, is now the country’s all-time leading goalscorer in the FIFA World Cup tournament.

The 41-year-old achieved this feat after scoring a brace in Portugal’s 5-0 win against Uzbekistan on Tuesday.

Ronaldo’s brace has taken his tally to 10 goals in FIFA World Cup history from 24 appearances.

The Al-Nassr forward is one goal ahead of Eusébio on the list.

Portugal’s all-time leading goal scorer in the World Cup [Top 11]:

10 goals – Ronaldo

9 goals – Eusébio

4 goals – Pauleta

3 goals – José Augusto, José Torres and Gonçalo Ramos

2 goals – Pepe, Bruno Fernandes, Thiago, Rafael Leão and Maniche.

A public affairs analyst, Godwin Omini, said the outcome of the Ekiti 2026 governorship election sends a dangerous signal ahead of 2027 elections.

He disclosed in a statement on Monday, noting that Saturday’s election in Ekiti exposed the Independent National Electoral Commission’s alleged partiality.

Recall that on Sunday, INEC had declared Biodun Oyebanji as the winner of Saturday’s governorship election.

The ruling All Progressives Congress’s Oyebanji won the polls ahead of the gubernatorial candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and African Democratic Congress.

Reacting, Omini said Ekiti State has once again brought to the fore serious concerns about the conduct and neutrality of INEC.

“These developments raise profound questions about the Commission’s ability to serve as an impartial umpire in future elections, particularly the 2027 general elections.

“Indications emerged that INEC officials allegedly colluded with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) by facilitating the transfer of approximately 400,000 uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to the ruling party.

“These cards were reportedly distributed to non-indigenes in a manner that compromised the electoral process and undermined the will of genuine voters in Ekiti State.

“This alleged collaboration points to a troubling pattern of partiality that erodes public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system,” he stated.

The chairmanship and councillorship candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who participated in the June 13, 2026, local government election in Adamawa State, have rejected its outcome.

Describing the election as a charade, the candidates are calling for a fresh poll.

The election in question produced chairmen-elect of the state’s 21 local government areas and councillors-elect for 226 wards, all from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Addressing journalists in Yola, the candidates alleged that the exercise conducted by the Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSIEC) lacked the basic ingredients of credibility.

One of the candidates, Abubakar Ahmadu, who spoke for all the candidates, said, “We wish to state emphatically that elections did not hold in all the local government councils across the state on June 13, 2026. We therefore wonder how results were concocted and how winners emerged.”

Ahmadu alleged that the announced results did not reflect the will of the people and could not be accepted.

“The purported conduct of the Adamawa council poll represents the height of electoral banditry,” he declared.

The ADC candidates called on democracy advocates and constitutional rights groups to intervene and defend democratic principles in the state.

Insisting that they do not recognise the announced winners, the ADC candidates demanded that ADSIEC fix a new date for a credible, transparent and inclusive local government election across Adamawa State.