lmo State chapter of African Democratic Congress, ADC, has stated that it remains structurally intact, ideologically focused and firmly under capable leadership.

This was contained in a communique issued on Tuesday by its Publicity Secretary, Chief Macdonald Amadi after the party’s state Executive committee meeting held in Owerri, the state capital.

According to the statement, the State Executive Committee convened the meeting to assess the current state of the Party, to reinforce internal cohesion and consolidate strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The statement stated that the meeting was held against the backdrop of recent political realignments, and the Committee used the opportunity to reaffirm the party’s stability, direction and commitment to disciplined and issue-based politics.

It stated further: “Any insinuation of fragmentation does not reflect the reality on ground.

“To sustain this momentum, the Committee resolves to intensify grassroots mobilization across all 27 Local Government Areas of the state.

“This sustained engagement will consolidate the membership base, deepen civic participation, and ensure the party enters the forthcoming primaries and general elections with unmatched organizational strength.

“The Committee further expresses profound confidence in the leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, former Governor of Imo State, and Hon. Engr. Gerald Irona, former Deputy Governor.

“Their commitment, experience, and stabilizing influence have been pivotal in keeping the Party united and focused during this period.

“In the same vein, the Committee pledges unalloyed loyalty to the National leadership of the ADC under the distinguished chairmanship of Senator David Mark.

“The Chapter is aligned with the National Working Committee’s vision and will work collaboratively to position the Party for decisive victory in 2027.

“Above all, the Committee reaffirms its unwavering commitment to a united Nigeria governed by the principles of justice, competence, and inclusive development.

“The African Democratic Congress remains the most credible platform to deliver the renewal Nigerians deserve.

“The ADC in Imo State is united, resolute, and purpose-driven. All members are urged to remain steadfast, resist distractions, and rededicate themselves to building a Party that will restore confidence in governance and deliver tangible progress to the people.”

Activities at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH, Akwa Ibom State, were brought to a halt on Tuesday, May 12, following the attempted arrest and eventual arrest of Prof. Effiong Ekpe and three other staff members of the hospital by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Uyo Zonal Office.

It was gathered that EFCC officials, while attempting to arrest Prof. Ekpe, who is the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, CMAC, on a court warrant, met resistance from other staff members of the hospital, while the hospital security also locked the gate, barring their exit from the facility.

It was further gathered that the operatives called for backup as the atmosphere became tense before the police arrived.

Following the incident, Dr. Aniekan Peters, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, directed doctors across the state to immediately shut down services, while JOHESU leaders also declared a total hospital shutdown in protest against what they described as an inhumane and barbaric act.

Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Dr. Gabriel Eyo, said the action of the EFCC was an onslaught on the hospital and its workers.

Eyo said it was wrong for a professor of cardiothoracic surgery and the only one in the state, to be treated like a criminal, noting that the man was injured in the process. As such, the strike was called to protest the alleged injustice.

“Prof. Ekpe is the professor of cardiothoracic surgery, the only one we have in Akwa Ibom State. Anyway, we don’t know what he has done, but we don’t really care at this point. Whatever he did, there is due process for this kind of thing. Even criminals are not treated this way. The only thing that should have been done would have been to send an invitation, which was not done.

“The NMA just had a meeting of its members, so we’ve begun the indefinite strike. The resolutions will be made public very soon.”

Meanwhile, the police have distanced themselves from involvement in the arrest of the professor, saying their operatives were only drafted to the scene to calm the situation and verify the authenticity of the officers who came for the arrest.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, said he ordered some policemen to join the EFCC officials to pick up a staff member of the hospital on the instruction of the judge in an ongoing court case.

Azare said that before the policemen entered the hospital premises for the arrest, he had informed the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Emem Bassey, to instruct his staff to grant the policemen access into the premises.

“The EFCC went for an arrest in the hospital this morning, and the CMD called me to verify if my men were among those in the hospital.

“I called the head of the EFCC, who confirmed to me that they were actually the ones who went to pick up that person on the instruction of the court. Right now, they are in court and handling a court case, and the judge stood down the matter and ordered that they bring that person. That is why they went to bring him.

“I called the CMD and advised him to open the gate for them to take the man because it is a legitimate duty.”

However, the spokesperson of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, in a statement dismissed allegations of assault by the operatives on anyone, saying rather that the officers suffered unprovoked attacks and resistance when they visited the facility for “inquiries.”

Speaking on why the EFCC operatives visited the UUTH in the first place, Oyewale explained: “The operatives’ visit was informed by the need to authenticate a medical report presented by a suspect under remand by Justice M.A. Onyetunu of the Federal High Court, Uyo, for allegedly defrauding multiple microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.

“The suspect had presented a medical report which required authentication by the UUTH management. The Commission wrote two different letters, dated March 11, 2026, and April 20, 2026, to the hospital management to this effect without receiving any response. The Investigating Officer handling the matter took the further step of visiting the hospital to enquire about the status of the request. Still, no response.

“As a last resort, operatives of the commission visited the chief medical director of the hospital on Tuesday to make further enquiries, only to be locked in with a false alarm and subjected to unprovoked attacks by misguided staff of the facility, who pelted them with stones and other dangerous objects.

“While within the hospital, the CMD reportedly directed that the gates of the facility be shut, making it impossible for any lawful enquiry to be made. Police authorities in Akwa Ibom State advised the CMD to open the hospital gates to enable the operatives to exit the premises peacefully, but the entreaties were turned down.

“In spite of the hostility and provocation, there was no breakdown of law and order as the operatives exercised restraint and professionally made their way out of the hospital premises without disrupting its activities.

“Enquiries bordering on operational engagements of the Commission are lawful. It is therefore necessary to remind the public and corporate bodies that they are obligated to cooperate with the agency in such circumstances. Contrary action could be deemed obstruction, which is criminal with attendant legal consequences.”

Plateau State Government has declared what it described as a “state of war against terrorists and enemies of the state” following a series of coordinated attacks recorded across parts of the state over the past four months.

The declaration was made after an emergency meeting of the State Security Council convened on Tuesday by Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Rayfield Government House in Jos.

Addressing journalists after the session, the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, said the council extensively reviewed the worsening security situation and adopted several measures aimed at protecting lives and property.

“Rising from the meeting, the Plateau State Security Council held an emergency session where the current security situation in the state was critically deliberated,” Jatau stated.

The meeting had in attendance security chiefs, chairmen of the 17 local government areas, as well as the Chairman of the Plateau State Joint Traditional Council, His Majesty, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba.

According to Jatau, members of the council observed that Plateau had remained under sustained attacks in recent months, with indications suggesting the assaults were coordinated.

As part of efforts to restore security, the council resolved to strengthen enforcement of existing restrictions on motorcycle operations, night grazing and illegal mining activities, which authorities believe have contributed to insecurity in the state.

The council also directed security agencies to recover ungoverned territories, public institutions and other vulnerable locations across the state.

To support security operations, the government approved additional logistics, including motorcycles and operational vehicles, to enhance rapid response and field effectiveness.

The council further agreed to improve intelligence sharing and collaboration between local government security structures and host communities.

On public order, the government warned that obstruction of highways would now be treated as a criminal offence, with violators facing prosecution.

Authorities also emphasized the need to secure farmlands ahead of the farming season to guarantee safe agricultural activities for residents.

Traditional rulers were urged to maintain closer supervision of cultural and community associations operating within their domains.

Declaring the government’s position, Jatau said: “Plateau State is in a state of war with terrorists and enemies of the state.”

He added that the administration remained committed to protecting the lives, property and communities of residents across the state.

The government also announced a renewed crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse, declaring war against drug dealers, suppliers and users operating within the state.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied reports claiming that civilians were killed during a recent military operation in Zamfara State, saying the casualty figures being shared are not verified.

In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, said troops of the Joint Task Force under Operation Fansan Yamma carried out the operation on Sunday, May 10.

He explained that the strike targeted what he described as a meeting of terrorist leaders in Tumfa Village, located in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

According to him, intelligence reports confirmed that the location was being used to coordinate attacks on nearby communities.

Onoja said it was difficult to immediately determine the number of casualties because of the nature of the airstrike operation.

“The casualty figures circulating across media platforms remain speculative, unverified and inconsistent with official military assessments,” he said.

“Our official position remains that several terrorists were neutralised after post-strike battle damage assessment.”

He also dismissed claims that civilians were affected during the operation, insisting that military findings has not shown any evidence of civilian casualties.

“The target remained a confirmed terrorist structure occupied by armed non-state actors threatening civilian lives,” he said.

“Those making such claims should rely on verified evidence, not social media reports or adversarial sources.”

Onoja added that the Nigerian Armed Forces will continue to follow strict operational rules and international humanitarian laws during military operations.

“Civilians are never deliberately targeted during operations,” he stressed.

He said troops were still carrying out clearance operations in the area and urged the public to depend on official channels for accurate information.

The military spokesman also assured that if any civilian casualty is confirmed, the information would be made public through established military procedures.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of civilians during ongoing operations.

Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has asked former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to wait and see the outcome of next year’s general elections.

Kwankwaso made the remark on Monday while fielding questions during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme.

He was responding to Atiku’s comment in which he said Kwankwaso’s popularity is restricted to Kano State.

“Let’s wait and see the election. I have no issue with that, and I think we have gone past that level now.

“We are in the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) for now, and I know they are in the African Democratic Congress (ADC). I wish them well.

“You see, anybody who is talking about or asking questions about whether our votes will split in Kano is not patient. Let’s wait for the election and see whether our votes are split in Kano or not,” he said.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has warned aspirants contesting on the party’s platform against acts capable of disrupting the forthcoming primaries, saying violators risk suspension.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda said the party would not tolerate violence, unrest, anti-party activities, or attempts to undermine the credibility of the primary elections.

He warned that any aspirant or supporter found instigating violence or sponsoring disorder during the exercise would face disciplinary measures, including immediate suspension from the party.

According to him, the APC had built a reputation as a nationally accepted political platform and would not allow personal ambitions to override the party’s collective interest.

“In every democratic contest, only one person will emerge victorious. What is important is the spirit with which the process is approached,” Yilwatda said.

He urged aspirants to demonstrate maturity and sportsmanship by accepting the outcome of the primaries peacefully.

The APC chairman also called on party members and stakeholders to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration and avoid actions capable of creating tension within the polity.

Yilwatda said ongoing infrastructure projects and reforms under the current administration remained part of the party’s agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He reaffirmed the party leadership’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and internal cohesion during the primary process.

Former lawmaker and prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Abba Anas Adamu, has died while in the custody of kidnappers despite the payment of a N50m ransom.
Adamu, who once represented Guri/Kirikasamma/Birniwa federal constituency in Jigawa State, was abducted alongside his friend and political associate, Ali Tukur Gantsa, at Rijana along the Kaduna-Abuja highway while returning to Kano State.

The kidnappers reportedly demanded N200m at first but later agreed to accept N50m after negotiations.

Reports said Adamu’s death was confirmed after the ransom was paid and the kidnappers directed his son to the location where his body was kept.

The incident has thrown the family, friends and political associates of the late politician into mourning in Jigawa State.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday tendered newspaper publications on the Naira redesign allegations against the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr Godwin Emefiele, in his trial over alleged disobedience to the direction of law and causing injury to the nation.

The newspaper publications are meant to serve as exhibits at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, where the anti-graft agency put him on trial over the Naira redesign allegations.

The EFCC tendered the documents through a subpoenaed witness, Jegede Oluwasegun, an official of the National Library of Nigeria.

Emefiele is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a four-count charge bordering on disobedience to the direction of law and illegal acts causing injury to the public.

In the charge, marked CR/264/2024, Emefiele was, among others, alleged to have, between October 19, 2022 and March 5, 2023, disobeyed the provisions of Section 19 of the CBN Act by approving the printing of 375,520,000 pieces of colour-swapped N1,000 notes at a total cost of N11,052,068,062 without the recommendation of the CBN Board and the strict approval of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, thereby causing injury to the public.

The offences allegedly committed by him, according to the EFCC, were contrary to Section 123 of the Penal Code, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990, and punishable under the same law.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

At the resumed hearing in the case, the witness was led in evidence by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, counsel for the prosecution.

The witness, who is the prosecution witness 8 (PW8), explained his official duties to the court.

Oyedepo later tendered copies of Punch, ThisDay, Vanguard, Daily Sun, and The Nation newspapers, alongside certification receipts from the National Library, as evidence.

Counsel to the defendant, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, did not object, and the court admitted them and marked them as exhibits.

While being cross-examined by Emefiele’s counsel, Ojo, the witness admitted that he did not author the contents of the newspapers.

“What I do is to certify the newspapers. I cannot 100 per cent say the content of the papers is right. I am not the author,” the witness told the court.

Ojo then referred to the ThisDay publication of January 31, 2023, and its certification, which the witness confirmed. Ojo subsequently tendered it in evidence.

The prosecution did not object to the document, prompting the court to admit it in evidence and mark it as an exhibit.

Justice Maryanne Anenih thereafter adjourned further trial till May 12.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, on Monday, released the minimum Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, cut-off marks approved by universities across Nigeria for the 2026 admission exercise.

The cut-off marks were announced following the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja.

According to the approved list, Pan-Atlantic University fixed the highest minimum cut-off mark at 220.

Several institutions, including the University of Benin, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria, Covenant University, Air Force Institute of Technology, and Obafemi Awolowo University, adopted 200 as their minimum benchmark.

JAMB stated that the approved figures represent the minimum thresholds for admission consideration.

The Board noted that institutions may still set higher requirements for competitive courses such as medicine, engineering, pharmacy, and law.

Below is the full list of universities and their approved minimum UTME scores for the 2026 admission exercise:

Pan-Atlantic University – 220

Air Force Institute of Technology – 200

Covenant University – 220

Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta – 200

Obafemi Awolowo University – 200

University of Benin – 200

University of Ibadan – 200

University of Lagos – 200

University of Nigeria, Nsukka – 200

Lagos State University of Science and Technology – 195

Lagos State University – 195

Lagos State University of Education – 185

Afe Babalola University – 180

Ahmadu Bello University – 180

Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun – 180

Nigeria Police Academy – 180

Nigerian University of Technology and Management – 180

Shanahan University – 180

University of Abuja (Yakubu Gowon University) – 180

University of Ilorin – 180

University of Jos – 170

Augustine University – 170

Babcock University – 170

Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia – 170

Federal University, Lafia – 170

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology – 170

Nasarawa State University – 170

BITS University, Bwari – 170

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University – 160

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University – 160

Admiralty University of Nigeria – 160

African Aviation and Aerospace University – 160

Ajayi Crowther University – 160

Al-Hikmah University – 160

Bamidele Olumilua University – 160

Bayero University, Kano – 160

Bells University of Technology – 160

Caleb University – 160

Chrisland University – 160

Dominion University – 160

Emmanuel Alayande University of Education – 160

Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta – 160

Federal University of Education, Pankshin – 160

Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo – 160

Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti – 160

Federal University of Technology, Ikot-Abasi – 160

First Technical University – 160

Imo State University – 160

Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management – 160

Karl Kumm University – 160

Kwara State University – 160

Landmark University – 160

Lead City University – 160

Modibbo Adama University – 160

Nnamdi Azikiwe University – 160

Olabisi Onabanjo University – 160

Osun State University – 160

Plateau State University – 160

Redeemer’s University – 160

Summit University – 160

Tai Solarin University of Education – 160

Taraba State College of Nursing and Midwifery – 160

University of Ilesa – 160

AbdulRasaq Abubakar Toyin University – 150

Adamawa State University – 150

Adeleke University – 150

African School of Economics, Abuja – 150