The lawmaker representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has denied he alleged that signatures of lawmakers were forged in the report that recommended the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

This was contained in a statement he issues on Tuesday, noting that his comments during an interview on AIT were misrepresented.

Oshiomole denied that he ever claimed signatures of senators were forged.

He said that he only raised  issue that a senator who served on the committee had claimed that attendance signatures of some lawmakers were attached to the final report.

Recall that the Nigerian Senate denied allegations by Oshiomhole over Natasha’s issue, stating that it would look into it and take a stand.

According to Oshiomole in the statement, “The insinuation that I said signatures of Senators were forged is a complete misrepresentation of what I actually said

“The only comment I made is that one Senator, who is a member of the Committee, claimed’ that the signatures of attendance of some Senators were attached to the final report.

The Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Ardo Muhammad, has maintained that the individuals arrested in Okpokwu Local Government Area last week were innocent travellers and not kidnappers.

In a statement released on Tuesday in Makurdi, Muhammad alleged that the four Fulani men were on their way from Benue State to Onitsha to visit family members when they came under attack.

The incident followed reports that local youths had thwarted a kidnapping attempt in the area on Wednesday, rescuing five people allegedly held by suspected abductors.

Authorities later announced that three suspects were apprehended and handed over to the police, while another person reportedly escaped.

Confirming the development, Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Area, Adah Inalegwu, said the suspected kidnappers abandoned their captives after being chased by vigilante youths.

He explained that three individuals were arrested the next day, but noted that security agencies had not yet established their connection to the alleged abduction.

“They are strangers in the community. It has not yet been confirmed if they were kidnappers, but they have been handed over to the police,” the chairman said.

However, Muhammad rejected claims linking the arrested men to kidnapping activities, insisting that they were merely travelling to see their relatives in Onitsha.

He said, “The four Fulani men arrested were travellers going from Benue State to Onitsha to visit their relatives. One of them managed to escape.

“The other three were severely beaten. One of them later died from his injuries at the scene, while the remaining two are currently receiving medical treatment.”

The MACBAN chairman urged security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly, apprehend those responsible for the attack, and ensure justice is served.

He further dismissed allegations that the men were involved in criminal activities, arguing that they were targeted solely because they were Fulani travellers moving peacefully through the area.

The Edo State Government has demolished a building allegedly linked to cultism and ritual activities in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s media aide, Patrick Ebojele, on Tuesday,  another property was also sealed off in a renewed crackdown on crime and criminal networks.

Ebojele said the operation was carried out under “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists”.

According to him, the operation involved the Edo State Security Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies under the supervision of senior security officials attached to the governor.

Secretary of the Edo State Security Squad, John Izegaegbe, said the intervention followed intelligence reports and field findings in the area.

Izegaegbe added that one of the sealed buildings in Ebhoijie-Uromi was linked to a disturbing discovery made in June.

“We are here on the order of Governor Monday Okpebholo, and, on getting here, we discovered that it is a ritual and murder case.

“It was further discovered, according to medical experts, that the body found in the building, which is the body of their gatekeeper, identified as Mildah Dalandi, had been decomposing for about one month in the apartment,” he said.

The state government reiterated that investigations were ongoing and assured residents that efforts to dismantle criminal networks across communities would continue.

The governorship candidate of the Accord Party in Taraba State, Professor Jerome Nyameh, has called for calm among party supporters following a Federal High Court judgment, insisting that the ruling has no bearing on the party’s political future or its participation in future elections.
In a statement aimed at addressing growing concerns within party ranks, Nyameh urged members and supporters not to panic or lose confidence in the party, stressing that the court’s decision represents only an early stage in an ongoing legal process.

“Don’t be discouraged by the Federal High Court judgment. ACCORD will be on the ballot in 2027,” he assured.

He explained that the judgment remains an initial ruling and subject to further judicial review, noting that Nigeria’s legal system provides additional layers of appeal, including the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

According to him, “The Federal High Court is just a trial court. There is the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.”

Nyameh maintained that the matter is far from concluded, expressing confidence that the party would pursue all available legal options to ensure justice is ultimately achieved.

He further reaffirmed that the Accord Party remains a viable political platform with established structures across the country, and continues to enjoy growing support.

The professor also urged supporters to remain law-abiding, united, and focused, encouraging sustained grassroots mobilisation despite what he described as temporary legal and political distractions. He added that preparations for future political engagements are ongoing and that the party’s internal cohesion remains strong.

Nyameh further referenced prominent figures within the party, including the governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, describing the Accord Party as a platform strengthened by credible and influential political actors.

He reassured supporters that the party leadership remains committed to maintaining its presence within Nigeria’s democratic space and is focused on strategic preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has revealed the mystery behind his sack as the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Speaking during an interview on AIT, Oshiomole said he was sacked through zoom at the Aso Rock Villa.

He stated that he it was through his competence and expertise that made later President Muhammadu Buhari won the 2015 presidential election.

“I led my party to victory under Buhari. With my colleague in the National Working Committee, NWC, we were able to fix the leadership tussle of the National Assembly, both the Senate and the House Representatives effortlessly.

“Our president didn’t have to run around the country to talk to people. We did the marketing, explanation, persuasion and all the tools available to manage democracy.

“Once the system got stabilized, I was sacked through a Zoom, and when people couldn’t get me removed democratically, they claimed that eight members of my Ward signed a petition that they passed a vote of no confidence on me.

“And on that basis they took the matter to the court, which granted their interim order. I appealed the order. The Court of Appeal quashed it. Three weeks later, the Court of Appeal called us back and restated the order. A few days later, I saw for the first time a National Executive Council, NEC, held by Zoom in the villa,” he said.

The Jigawa State Government has declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate the beginning of the Islamic New Year, 1448 AH.
The declaration was announced in a statement issued by the State Head of the Civil Service, Alhaji Muhammad K. Dagaceri, and signed by the Public Relations Officer in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, Isma’ila Ibrahim Dutse.

According to the statement, the work-free day is intended to enable civil servants and other residents of the state to participate in activities marking the Islamic New Year and to reflect on its spiritual significance.

Dagaceri urged workers and the general public to use the occasion to offer prayers for lasting peace, unity, and prosperity in Jigawa State.

He also called on citizens to uphold the teachings of Islam and emulate the exemplary character and practices of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

The government further appealed to residents to remain law-abiding and avoid actions capable of undermining the prevailing peace and harmony across the state.

The state government expressed hope that the new Islamic year would usher in renewed commitment to moral values, peaceful coexistence, and collective progress among the people of Jigawa.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has inducted 132 newly recruited personnel into the Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission, LAHASCOM, and the Assembly’s workforce as part of efforts to strengthen efficiency and professionalism within the legislative service.

The induction exercise was held at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium located within the Assembly complex in Lagos.

Speaking during the opening session, the Clerk of the House, Barrister Olalekan Onafeko, who represented the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, urged the newly employed officers to embrace professionalism, diligence and proactive service delivery in the discharge of their responsibilities.

He stressed that the Assembly places high value on accountability, excellence and productivity in public service.

Onafeko also gave participants an overview of the evolution of the Lagos State House of Assembly since its establishment in 1979 following Nigeria’s return to democratic rule.

According to him, the legislature is constitutionally empowered to make laws, carry out oversight functions and represent the interests and aspirations of Lagos residents.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission, Alhaja Omowunmi Ogbara, advised the newly recruited officers to comply strictly with the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and maintain high standards of discipline, ethical conduct and efficiency in their various assignments.

She also observed a minute silence in honour of two members of staff who recently passed away, describing their deaths as a painful loss to the Assembly community while praying for the peaceful repose of their souls.

One of the facilitators at the programme, retired civil servant Mr Femi Solaja, took participants through the Public Service Rules and Regulations guiding the conduct of government employees.

He highlighted important aspects of the Code of Conduct for public officers, stressing the need for honesty, loyalty, integrity and professionalism in public service.

Solaja warned against corruption, misconduct and any behaviour capable of damaging the image of the civil service.

He further emphasized the importance of punctuality and regular attendance at work, noting that officers are expected to resume duties promptly and carry out assigned tasks responsibly.

The retired civil servant also reminded participants of the importance of obeying lawful directives and maintaining confidentiality regarding official information obtained in the course of duty unless properly authorised.

He encouraged the newly employed staff to demonstrate commitment, innovation, teamwork and initiative in their careers.

According to him, while public officers are entitled to welfare benefits and leave allowances, they are equally expected to uphold discipline, diligence and integrity throughout their years in service.

The induction programme featured interactive sessions that allowed participants to engage directly with management officials.

Organisers disclosed that the exercise would continue on Tuesday with additional sessions focused on legislative procedures, administrative operations and the guiding values of the Lagos State House of Assembly Service.

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, has dismissed an application filed by former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, seeking to set aside a bench warrant and warrant of arrest earlier issued against her.

The ruling was delivered on Monday by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie during proceedings in a case involving alleged criminal conspiracy, abuse of office and diversion of public funds.

The development was disclosed in a statement posted on the official page of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Farouq is expected to stand trial alongside Bashir Nura Alkali and Sani Nafiu Mohammed over allegations involving the diversion of about $1.3 million and N746.7 million.

In his ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie held that the former minister failed to appear before the court without sufficient justification, adding that the law empowers the court to issue a warrant of arrest where a defendant is absent without a valid reason.

“The defendant who is fully aware that this is a criminal proceeding has willfully failed to appear in court without a valid reason and the law empowers the court when it has been ascertained that the defendant is absent from court without a valid reason to issue a bench warrant of arrest,” the judge said.

The judge also questioned the medical report presented by the defence, noting that the documents before it did not show why the defendant could not appear in court.

Following the ruling, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, urged the court to enforce an earlier undertaking allegedly made by defence counsel, A.A. Ibrahim, SAN, to produce the former minister in court.

Jacobs argued that the period referenced in the medical report submitted by the defence had already expired and requested the court to compel compliance with the undertaking.

“My lord, for a senior counsel to make an undertaking which is reflected in your lordship’s ruling, we crave your lordship to give effect to that undertaking,” Jacobs said.

In response, A.M. Lawal, who represented Ibrahim, asked the court to allow the senior lawyer to personally address the issue of the undertaking.

Justice Onwuegbuzie granted the request and held that Ibrahim should be given the opportunity to respond.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to July 2, 2026, for arraignment.