Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has reacted to the crash-landing of Enugu Air at Benin airport in Edo State.

In a post on his verified X handle on Friday, Keyamo said he had ordered all the relevant agencies to work closely with Enugu Air to unravel the cause of the incident.

DAILY POST recalls that the aircraft crashed at Benin City airport on Thursday.

Following the incident, Air Peace aircraft suspended all its flights to and from the Benin Airport after the temporary closure of the airport’s runway following a runway incursion.

Reacting, Keyamo said, “I have been duly informed that the incident with Enugu Air yesterday in Benin is that the aircraft skidded off the runway after landing successfully (it is called ‘runway excursion’ in aviation terminology).

“Everyone was safe. I have directed all the relevant agencies to work closely with Enugu Air to unravel the cause.”

Residents of Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, and Yola, the Adamawa State capital, are once again grappling with a prolonged electricity blackout following a fault at a Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, facility, a development that has intensified concerns over the reliability of power supply across the northeast.

The latest outage has left homes, businesses and public institutions without electricity for the past three days, with Jalingo metropolis among the worst affected.

The blackout has disrupted commercial activities, forced many businesses to rely on costly alternative sources of power and compounded the hardships faced by residents already struggling with rising living costs.

The incident comes at a particularly difficult time for electricity consumers in the region, as TCN had only recently announced a planned maintenance exercise that was expected to result in a temporary power interruption across several northeastern states.

According to the company, electricity consumers in Bauchi, Gombe, Damaturu, Maiduguri, Yola, Jalingo and surrounding communities are scheduled to experience a planned outage from 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026, to enable maintenance work on critical transmission infrastructure.

However, the unexpected fault has effectively extended the blackout for many customers, sparking frustration among residents who say they have been left in darkness even before the commencement of the scheduled maintenance.

Business owners and residents expressed concern over the worsening power situation, noting that the prolonged outage has affected economic activities, increased operational costs and disrupted household routines.

Explaining the cause of the latest disruption, the Yola Electricity Distribution Company, YEDC, said the outage resulted from a technical fault at the 132kV Transmission Station operated by TCN.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the distribution company disclosed that the fault occurred at about 5:55 p.m. on Wednesday when the primary circuit breaker on TCN’s 125MVA transformer tripped at the transmission station.

According to YEDC, the incident affected all its 33KV feeders supplied from the facility, resulting in a widespread loss of electricity supply across Yola and its surrounding communities.

The company said it had been informed that TCN engineers were working to clear the fault and restore electricity supply to affected customers.

Despite the ongoing repair efforts, YEDC noted that the previously announced planned outage by TCN remains in effect. Consequently, electricity supply will continue to be managed in accordance with the approved outage schedule even after the fault is rectified.

The development has once again highlighted the vulnerability of electricity supply in the northeast, where technical faults on key transmission infrastructure often result in widespread blackouts affecting multiple states simultaneously.

For residents and businesses already contending with high energy costs, the combination of an unplanned system fault and an impending maintenance shutdown means a longer period of uncertainty, with many hoping that repair works and the scheduled maintenance will be completed within the stipulated timeframe.

YEDC appealed to customers to remain patient and understanding while engineers work to restore normal electricity supply, assuring consumers that efforts are ongoing to resolve the fault and stabilize the network.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Obidient Movement have rejected former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje’s claim that the Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso presidential ticket cannot win the 2027 election.

Both groups said Obi and Kwankwaso have strong records in government and large political support bases that could help them win elections, especially in Kano State and across Nigeria.

Ganduje had described the NDC ticket as dead on arrival, arguing that neither Obi nor Kwankwaso had the leadership record or political legacy needed to win the presidency.

He also questioned their popularity and achievements in Anambra and Kano states.

Reacting to the comments, NDC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, dismissed Ganduje’s remarks, saying, “he is just blabbing.”

He argued that the former APC chairman had lost political relevance in Kano and claimed the NDC was well-positioned to win elections in the state because of Kwankwaso’s influence.

He added, “We are confident of clearing all the state Assembly seats. We are also confident of winning the senatorial, House of Reps and governorship elections as well.”

Abdulsalam also said Obi’s performance in the 2023 presidential election showed his nationwide appeal. According to him, more votes will be recorded for him in the northern part of Nigeria because of the country’s current economic situation.

The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, also criticised Ganduje’s comments.

He questioned Ganduje’s credibility and defended Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State, saying, “He left N75bn in the coffers of Anambra State.”

Tanko also praised Kwankwaso’s achievements in Kano, pointing to infrastructure projects and education programmes that sponsored students to study abroad.

Yiaga Africa has published its pre-election analysis regarding the current circumstances in Osun in anticipation of the upcoming governorship elections next month.

According to Yiaga’s report, the integrity of the governorship election is at risk, noting an increase in the distribution of money or gifts by candidates or their supporters to voters.

Yiaga Africa said that its findings conducted between 14 and 29 June 2026, recorded numerous occurrences of cash and gift distribution by political figures and their supporters during campaign events and community interactions.

The report made available to reporters in Abuja further stated that while some of these distributions were presented as social interventions or charitable programmes, their timing and proximity to the election raise concerns about their potential to unduly influence voters.

“Such incidents were reported in Irepodun, Ola-Oluwa, Olorunda  and Osogbo LGAs. In Ilobu/Erin, Irepodun LGA, observers heard that a group known as the ITK Sisters distributed cash, garri, beans and other food items to residents,” the report added.

It continued, “Similarly, observers reported the distribution of food items by unidentified groups in the Ekerele-Iwara area of Ola-Oluwa LGA, as well as in parts of Olorunda and Osogbo LGAs. A more sophisticated pattern of voter inducement was observed in Ife South LGA. On 7 July 2026, residents of Ara Joshua Village in Osi Ward reportedly received electronic transfers of N10,000 with the narration, ‘Renewed Hope Ambassadors/APC EPYT.’ “

Yiaga Africa said that its observers noted that the payments were linked to an earlier exercise in March 2026, during which individuals visited communities to collect voters’ Voter Identification Numbers, VINs, and National Identification Numbers, NINs.

“The same individuals reportedly returned in June 2026 to obtain beneficiaries’ bank account details before they made the transfers.This emerging data-enabled model of voter inducement represents a growing electoral integrity concern.

“Unlike conventional vote buying at polling units, it occurs well before election day, leaves fewer visible traces, and is more difficult to detect through traditional election observation methods,” Yiaga Africa said.

The organization further reported what it called ‘very limited voter education’ efforts targeted at marginalised groups such as women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities, PWDs.

“CSO-led campaigns targeting women were only recorded in Irewole and Ola-Oluwa LGA. Youth-targeted voter education campaigns were reported to have been conducted by INEC in Irewole and Ola-Oluwa and by CSO in Ede South LGA. In addition, PWDs targeted campaigns were reported to be conducted by only INEC, in Ola-Oluwa LGA,” it further stated.

An adult male was safely rescued after becoming trapped inside a malfunctioning elevator in a three-storey building located on Freeman Street, Zapass, Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area, LCDA, on Tuesday.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service disclosed that it received an emergency call at approximately 11:50 a.m., prompting the immediate deployment of a rescue team from the Ebute Elefun Fire Station.

According to the agency, firefighters arrived at the scene within five minutes of receiving the distress alert and quickly commenced rescue operations.

The trapped occupant was successfully freed from the elevator without sustaining any injuries.

Preliminary findings by the agency indicated that the incident resulted from an accidental malfunction of the lift.

Confirming the successful rescue, the Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said no casualties or injuries were recorded during the operation.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to responding promptly to emergencies and ensuring the safety of residents across the state.

The Nigeria Customs Service has debunked a social media recruitment advert and warned criminals to desist from scamming individuals through dubious means.

It also advised members of the public to disregard the fake recruitment advert on social media platforms in the name of the Nigeria Customs Service.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Service urged members of the public to rely only on information released through its official communication channels for authentic updates on its activities, including recruitment.

“Recruitment scams have become a recurring challenge in Nigeria, with fraudsters often exploiting public interest in government jobs by circulating fake advertisements and soliciting money from unsuspecting applicants,” the statement said.

According to the statement, security agencies and government institutions have repeatedly warned citizens against engaging with unofficial recruitment notices, just as it advised Nigerians to verify information through its official platforms before sharing or acting on it.

It added, “Members of the public are advised to disregard the publication and rely only on information disseminated through the official communication channels of the Nigeria Customs Service.”

The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC,  Abia State Sector Command, has commenced a special intervention patrol codenamed “Operation KWUSI IHE MBEREDE OKPOROUZO, as directed by its  zonal Command Headquarters in Enugu.

The operation, according to the FRSC, is part of  strategic efforts towards achieving its 2026 corporate goal of reducing road traffic fatalities and injuries by at least 10 percent through intensified enforcement, public enlightenment, and stakeholder collaboration.

Speaking on the commencement of the exercise, the Sector Commander, CC Ngozi I. Ezeoma, stated that the operation was designed to promote safer road use, reduce preventable crashes, and ensure strict compliance with traffic regulations across Abia State.

According to the Sector Commander, the Command has deployed Regular Marshals and Special Marshals, supported by patrol vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks, and other operational logistics to ensure the success of the exercise.

The three-day operation, which will be conducted every month from 0700hrs to 1300hrs, will focus on enforcing compliance with critical traffic regulations, particularly offences relating to overloading and mixed loading of vehicles;

She said that vehicles  without  valid driver’s licence, non-compliance with speed limiting device regulations and  use of mobile phone while driving, among others offenses, would be targeted in the exercise.

She also dismissed every suggestion that the operation was introduced to punish motorists.

“This operation is not intended to punish motorists but to save lives by discouraging risky driving behaviours that are responsible for the majority of road traffic crashes,” the Sector Commander said.

A politician standing trial for corruption can contest an election, be sworn in as governor, and have the criminal case against him suspended until he leaves office, a legal practitioner, Barrister Zurkallaini Sani Tsanyawa, has said.

The lawyer was reacting to the controversy surrounding the emergence of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kebbi State despite his ongoing trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Malami is facing a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering before the Federal High Court in Abuja alongside his wife and son. The trio have all pleaded not guilty.

The Kebbi State chapter of the ADC has described the prosecution as politically motivated, insisting that the case will not affect Malami’s chances in the 2027 governorship election.

In a statement signed by the party’s State Chairman, Engr. Sufiyanu Bala, and Chairman of the ADC Elders Forum, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Sambawa, the party alleged that the prosecution was aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of the elections.

Malami is not the only politician seeking elective office while defending corruption allegations in court.

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is also facing separate EFCC trials over alleged ₦110.4 billion fraud and ₦80.2 billion money laundering. Despite the ongoing cases, he has secured the APC ticket to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 elections.

The two cases have renewed public debate over whether politicians facing criminal prosecution should be allowed to seek elective office.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, legal practitioner Tsanyawa said a criminal trial cannot continue against a serving governor because of the immunity granted under Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution.

“Once he is sworn in as President, vice president, governor, or deputy governor, the trial is not terminated; it is merely put on hold until he leaves office,” Tsanyawa said.

According to him, the immunity only applies to the office holder, while the trial of any co-defendants can continue.

On the subject of the eligibility of the candidates themselves, Tsanyawa said the Constitution leaves little room for ambiguity.

“A candidate standing trial but not yet convicted is constitutionally qualified to contest and occupy the office of President, Vice President, Governor, or Deputy Governor,” he said.

He explained that Sections 131 and 177 of the Constitution, which set out the qualifications for the offices of President and Governor, do not list a pending criminal case as a ground for disqualification.

The only criminal-related disqualification, he said, is a conviction for an offence involving dishonesty or fraud within the period prescribed by the Constitution.

He also cited Section 36(5), which guarantees the presumption of innocence. “Because the candidate has not been convicted, he is presumed innocent. INEC and the courts cannot disqualify him solely on the basis of an ongoing trial,” he added.

While agreeing that the Constitution protects the rights of accused persons, Professor Murtala Muhammad, Vice President of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA), in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, said the increasing number of politicians contesting elections while facing corruption charges exposes weaknesses in both the electoral and judicial systems.

According to him, Nigeria’s constitutional democracy must balance the presumption of innocence with the need to protect the integrity of public office.

He noted that many politically exposed persons take advantage of the slow pace of criminal trials to seek fresh mandates before their cases are concluded.

“Cases involving former governors, ministers, and legislators have remained in court for years, allowing some defendants to secure new political mandates before the law reaches its logical conclusion,” he said, adding that the trend weakens public confidence in both the judiciary and the electoral process.

Muhammad also warned that many Nigerians now see public office as a shield against prosecution.

According to him, election victories often give politically exposed persons greater influence, which can delay investigations, discourage witnesses, and prolong trials through endless interlocutory appeals.

“The result is a vicious cycle where public office is increasingly viewed not only as a platform for service but also as a strategic refuge from legal accountability,” he said.

He, however, argued that the answer is not to deny anyone their constitutional rights.

Instead, he called for reforms to ensure corruption cases involving politically exposed persons are concluded within a reasonable time before elections.

Among his recommendations are “constitutional and electoral reforms to fast-track such cases, the establishment of special anti-corruption courts with strict timelines, and measures to discourage unnecessary adjournments in high-profile corruption trials.”

Murtala further revealed that countries such as Brazil and Italy have shown that timely prosecution of politically exposed persons can strengthen public trust in democratic institutions without undermining the right to a fair hearing.