The police command in Delta State said it has killed five persons suspected to be members of a kidnap syndicate in the state.

The spokesman for the command, Bright Edafe, disclosed this in Warri on Wednesday.

Mr Edafe said that the suspects were killed on Friday during a gun duel with the operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT).

He said that the incident occurred inside the Uwiamughe forest in the Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Edafe said that the CP-SAT was led in the operation by ASP Julius Robinson, following credible information.

“Acting on credible information, the police team trailed and arrested the leader of a kidnapping syndicate at the DSC roundabout in Warri. The arrest and interrogation of the suspect led to the arrest of two other suspects at Otovwodo Park in Ughelli,” he said.

Mr Edafe said that preliminary investigation showed that the suspects were allegedly responsible for the series of kidnappings and armed robberies in Uwiamughe, Otu-Jeremi, Warri, Ughelli, and environs.

“Acting on the strength of their confessions, the suspects led the operatives to Uwaimughe Forest, where they hide their weapons. Upon exit from the forest, some hoodlums suspected to be members of the syndicate engaged the police in a gun duel. During the gun duel, five of the hoodlums sustained gunshot injuries while others escaped,” he said.

The police spokesman said that the injured suspects were taken to the hospital and later died while receiving treatment.

Mr Edafe said that items recovered from the suspects included one AK-47 rifle, one pump action gun, and three locally made guns.

Others were two magazines, 60 rounds of Ak-47 live ammunition and 17 rounds of live cartridges.

Mr Edafe said that the three arrested suspects and the recovered weapons were in the custody of the police.

He added that effort was in top gear to arrest the fleeing members of the gang.

A bill seeking amendment to the 1999 Constitution to grant control of natural resources— oil fields, minerals and natural gas — to states, on Wednesday, passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

The proposed legislation was sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and three other lawmakers, aiming to grant states greater autonomy over the exploration, management and revenue generation of natural assets.

The bill specifically seeks to transfer control and exploration of these resources from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent Legislative List in the Constitution.

This development came years after a similar bill got stalled at the second reading on the ground that decentralisation could result in disparities among states.

The current bill was referred to the committee on constitution amendment and should return to the third reading if approved.

The bill, if eventually becomes a law, might grant the states the opportunity to regulate resource extraction, issue mining and oil exploration licences and collect revenues independently.

Several other bills passed through second reading at both chambers as part of the broader moves by the National Assembly to amend the 1999 Constitution which had been in place for almost three decades.

The death toll from the wildfires sweeping through south-eastern South Korea has risen to at least 22, with authorities fearing the numbers could continue to climb.

The official news agency Yonhap reported on Wednesday that at least 18 people had died in the south-east of the country since Tuesday afternoon.

Over the weekend, four first responders had lost their lives while battling the fires, with one person missing and two people sustaining serious injuries.

According to Yonhap, around 5,000 firefighters and more than 140 helicopters are currently in action to combat the fires, which have already destroyed some 17,000 hectares of forest.

Authorities have declared at least four counties in the region disaster zones.

The fires, which began on Friday in Sancheong County, about 250 kilometres south-east of Seoul, have caused significant destruction, with several historical sites destroyed.

Goun Temple in Uiseong, built in 681, was destroyed, Yonhap reported, adding that national treasures stored in the ancient temple had been relocated before its destruction.

The historic Hahoe village, which UNESCO declared a World Heritage site in 2010, was also threatened by the flames.

Authorities had ordered evacuations to protect residents.

According to officials, the fires were fuelled by dry winds and a prolonged drought.

Wildfires are not uncommon in South Korea during dry spells.

In recent years, both average temperatures and extreme weather events have increased in the country, significantly increasing the risk and severity of fires.

Experts view the increase in wildfires as a sign of the ongoing effects of climate change.

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested four people, including a native doctor and a teenage girl, for their alleged role in the killing of two siblings.

The children were drugged and killed at the Ogbodo Pipeline area of Rukpokwu in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.

One of the suspects, 27-year-old Aniekan Uko, allegedly lured the children to a location, drugged them, and then killed them. He also drained their blood.

A lawyer helping with the police investigation, Linda Ojims, said the children were coming back from church when Uko stopped them and took them to an uncompleted building.

Ojims said the suspect may have hypnotized the children, making them follow him willingly.

She explained that after luring them, he gave them a drink that made them fall asleep, then raped and murdered them.

Ojims said, “The children were coming back from church. So along the line, the suspect, I don’t know whether he hypnotised or lured them, took them to an uncompleted building. He then induced the drink he gave to them. The children slept, he raped and murdered them.”

The police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Wednesday.

Iringe-Koko said officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit acted quickly and arrested the main suspect and his accomplices on March 23, 2025. She described the case as “horrific.”

According to the police boss, Uko confessed to the crime and said he got involved in ritual killings after visiting a native doctor.

He said he had seen the native doctor perform similar rituals for others in exchange for wealth and was told to provide fresh human remains and blood for ritual purposes.

The police said the victims, Chizaram Onuche and Chidinma Onuche, both seven years old, were killed in an uncompleted building.

During the arrest, officers recovered important evidence, including a bottle containing the victims’ blood. Investigators also found a kitchen knife used for the murder, an empty can of Black Bullet, which was used to drug the victims and a spoon used to collect their blood.

The victims’ bodies have been taken to the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, assured the public that the suspects would face justice.

Adepoju urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

He said, “Investigations are ongoing to uncover further details and possible accomplices. The safety and security of all citizens remain our top priority.”

Meanwhile, Ojims praised the police for arresting the suspects and urged them to ensure justice is served.

She emphasised the importance of a proper trial and called on the authorities to prosecute the case thoroughly.

She said, “I’m also helping in the investigation of the matter. I know that the police are investigating it. All I expect from them is to do the needful because this matter is of public interest and that of justice.

“If these perpetrators were not caught, we don’t even know what would have happened next. It could have been any other person I know. So I’m looking up to the police to do a diligent job because justice for one is justice for all.”

Ojims also urged the police to prepare their findings and ensure the case is properly prosecuted in court.

She said, “The children need justice because they didn’t do anything wrong. So the police should, after the investigation, prepare their findings and file the matter to court. We are also ready to follow up. And I pray that they also help in sanitizing the society through this medium.”

Shops and goods estimated to be worth multi-million naira have been burnt during a night fire incident that occurred at the popular Iweka Road, close to Ochanja market, Onitsha, Anambra State.

Our correspondent gathered that the fire, which started at about 8.30pm on Tuesday, razed many shops, burning goods and property to ashes.

Although the cause of the fire has yet to be ascertained, it was gathered that the fire raged for several minutes before the arrival of firefighters, as some of the traders had gone home.

Confirming the fire incident on Wednesday, the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, led by the state fire chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, said it received a distress call at about 9.40pm and immediately deployed a crew of firemen and firefighting equipment to the scene.

Chiketa said, “Anambra State Fire Service at about 9.40pm on Tuesday, March 25, received a distress call about a raging fire outbreak at the popular Iweka road, close to Ochanja Market, Onitsha.

“Immediately, a crew of firemen and firefighting equipment were deployed to the scene of the fire outbreak. They fought gallantly and contained the incident, stopping the fire from further escalation.

“The incident affected four shops, and many others were saved in a two-storey building. These shops contained furniture materials such as leather, foam and others.

“The cause of the fire outbreak has not been ascertained. The crew of firemen withdrew from the incident’s scene at 03:05 h3.05am) of the next day, Wednesday 26th March.”

“The Nigerian government has been supporting MSMEs through funding and capacity-building initiatives. However, the question remains: Are Nigerian entrepreneurs ready to maximize these opportunities? Do they meet the eligibility criteria?” he asked.

Director-General (DG) of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr. Charles Odii, represented by Peter Adeshina, stated that the training aimed to educate small business owners on structuring their enterprises to access available opportunities.

“SMEs are critical to economic prosperity and growth, and our role is to support them. A business clinic is like a medical clinic—when you visit, you receive treatment, feel revitalized, and can then expand and succeed.

“Our objective here is to provide guidance on structuring businesses for growth. Currently, finance in Nigeria is costly due to high interest rates. However, there are measures SMEs can take to secure affordable loans and grants.

“For instance, formalising a business—something as simple as registering it—can determine whether one can access opportunities or not. Business owners should also open dedicated business accounts to establish a credit history, making them more trustworthy to investors,” he advised.

He expressed optimism that the training would enhance SMEs’ operations.

“At the end of this event, we expect SMEs to function more effectively. With the information provided, they will be able to restructure their businesses, abandon ineffective practices, and embrace growth.

“Accessing SMEDAN opportunities requires registration with the agency. Fortunately, SMEDAN has state offices nationwide where business owners can seek support. We anticipate that, after this exercise, more entrepreneurs will be better positioned for success,” he added.

The Senior Special Adviser to the Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Adeshile Deji, encouraged the trainees to engage in continuous capacity-building programs from relevant agencies to enhance their skills and business operations.

Russia and the U.S. managed to quickly agree on a list of objects that are subject to a temporary moratorium on attacks on energy system during talks in Riyadh on March 25.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made this known on Wednesday.

“It is thankful to these contacts that were possible to quickly agree on a list of Russian and Ukrainian facilities that fall under the temporary moratorium on attacks on the energy system,’’ Peskov said.

The moratorium on strikes on Russian and Ukrainian energy systems must be respected, the official said.

He added that it was a good step forward and was formed thanks to dialogue between Moscow and Washington.

“Russian President Vladimir Putin’s order regarding the moratorium is in effect and is being implemented by our armed forces,’’ Peskov said.

At the same time, Ukraine’s attempts to strike Russian energy facilities were well known, the official said, adding that Kiev has repeatedly demonstrated its inability to negotiate.

The Lagos government has announced plans to install 3,000 smart cameras across the state to enhance road safety and traffic management.

Akin-George Fashola, director of the Vehicle Inspection Service, disclosed this during a radio programme on Tuesday in Lagos.

Mr Fashola stated that the cameras would monitor speed limits and serve as an electronic policing (e-policing) tool for the government.

He explained that the initiative was part of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) introduced by the state government to improve the monitoring, management, and enforcement of road traffic laws.

“This year, the VIS will focus more on enforcing speed limits in Lagos. It’s not a new initiative, but we need to be more rigorous in implementation.

“We must slow people down to reduce the high rate of accidents in the state,” he said.

He also mentioned that, as part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision for better traffic management, smart cameras had already been installed in key locations such as Alapere, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, and Allen Junction.

“The speed limit for Alapere is 80km/h inward Alausa and 60km/h outward toward Oworonshoki due to pedestrian traffic and the nature of the expressway. We also considered the petrol stations along the expressway to prevent collisions with fuel tankers.

“On Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, the speed limit is set at 60km/h because it is a densely populated area where people cross the road indiscriminately,” added Mr Fashola.

The VIS director explained that at Allen Junction, the cameras focus not on speed limits but on detecting violations such as running red lights and failing to stop at designated areas.

“This is part of our e-policing strategy, saying motorists exceeding speed limits will be sanctioned, with a fine of ₦50,000 for violations.

“Drivers who violate traffic laws, as detected by the ITS, will receive SMS notifications from the VIS detailing the nature of the violation and the corresponding fines,” Mr Fashola said.

According to him, motorists can contest fines if they have proof but noted that the government would also provide technology-based evidence to support enforcement actions.

Mr Fashola also highlighted how technology had improved VIS services, including the introduction of online roadworthiness certification for pre-existing vehicle owners.

South African multi-talented maestro Blulyt has acquired a brand-new brown BMW in East Rand.

Blulyt made this known in a video on Tuesday.

In the video, Blulyt was seen signing documents for the blue BMW in East Rand, after which she drove off in excitement.

Blulyt previously hinted at her plans to take the African music industry by storm in 2025.

Blulyt is a South African multi-talented maestro making waves in the music industry. She is a dancer and singer who has recently ventured into Amapiano music, releasing her latest collaboration with DJ Bellami, 24 Skepe.

This new track introduces a fresh and vibrant sound to the Amapiano genre, characterized by its deep house influences and signature high-pitched melodies.

Blulyt has also been featured on a tribute album honoring the late Gee Six Five, where she remixed the popular song Obani Lababantu. This showcase of her talent has solidified her presence in the entertainment industry, marking her as a rising star to watch.

With her unique sound and style, Blulyt is undoubtedly one of the most exciting new voices in African music. Her future collaborations and projects are highly anticipated.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to former President Goodluck Jonathan on his selection as the recipient of the 2025 Sunhak Peace Founders’ Award.

In a statement on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu lauded Dr. Jonathan’s dedication to peace, democracy, and national unity, calling the award a well-deserved recognition of his lifelong efforts in fostering harmony across Africa and beyond.

“Dr. Jonathan’s unwavering commitment to peace and democracy has earned him global admiration. His historic acceptance of the 2015 presidential election results and the peaceful transfer of power remain a shining example of statesmanship that strengthened Nigeria’s democratic foundation,”Tinubu stated.

The Sunhak Peace Prize, awarded by the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee, recognises individuals and organisations making significant contributions to world peace and human development.

By honouring Jonathan, the committee acknowledges his work in mediation, conflict resolution, and democratic advocacy across the African continent.

Tinubu also expressed gratitude to the committee for highlighting the efforts of global leaders striving to build a better world.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has been nominated as the winner of the 2025 Founders Sunhak Peace Award.

Mr Ikechukwu Eze, Special Adviser to Jonathan disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Eze said that the award would be presented to the former president by Sunhak Peace Prize Foundation in Seoul, South Korea on April 11.

According to him, Jonathan becomes the third person and the first African leader to win this category of the award, after former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon and Prime Minister of Cambodia, Mr Hun Sen.

Eze said that this year’s award ceremony, the sixth in the series, would take place in Seoul on April 11, where Jonathan and other laureates would be decorated.

He quoted the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee as stating that the honour was in recognition of Jonathan’s consistent mediations and pro-democracy activities to bring peace to the African continent.

This, according to him, is especially through the instrumentality of the various associations he chairs, including Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), West African Elders’ Forum (WAEF) and International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP).

NAN reports that the Founders Sunhak Peace Award and the Sunhak Peace Prize are two categories of awards presented biennially by the committee to individuals and organisations acknowledged as worthy contributors to world peace and human development.

Prominent past winners of the second category, which is the Sunhak Peace Prize, included former Senegalese President Macky Sall and President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina.

Others were Dame Sarah Gilbert, Co-developer of Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine as well as GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance.

Eze said that Jonathan would be receiving his award alongside three individuals who were recently announced by José Barroso, the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee Chair and former President of the European Commission, as winners in the other category.

They include Patrick Awuah Jr., Founder and President of Ashesi University in Ghana, Hugh Evans, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Global Citizen and Wanjira Mathai, Regional Director for Africa at the World Resources Institute.

Eze also quoted the founder of the prize, Dr Hak Ja Han Moon, as stating in her pre-event address that the lives of the laureates had been an inspiring testament to how peace could be realised through concrete actions and cultural transformation.

“Over the past decade, the Sunhak Peace Prize has identified and honoured individuals.

“Individuals who have dedicated themselves to addressing urgent global challenges based on its three core values: respect for human rights, reconciliation of conflicts and ecological conservation,’’ Moon said.

Established in 2015, the biennial Sunhak Peace Prize honours individuals and organisations that have shown extraordinary services to global peace and well-being in any of the three areas.

The areas are sustainable human development, conflict resolution or ecological conservation.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps says it has uncovered an illegal crude oil reservoir in Ondo.

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This was disclosed in a statement by Daniel Aidamenbor, the spokesman for NSCDC in Ondo, on Tuesday.

Mr Aidamenbor explained that the illegal crude oil reservoir was uncovered during a joint operation with the Nigerian Army and TANTITA Security Service.

He added that the reservoir was hidden in a forest in Obe-Akingboye, in the Ilaje LGA.

According to him, the discovery was made on Sunday at about 02:12 p.m., with no arrest made as the suspects had already fled the scene of the crime.

“The Ondo State commandant, Oluyemi Ibiloye, has issued a stern warning to those involved in illegal dealings in petroleum products to desist or face the full weight of the law.

”He also reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting critical national assets, particularly in the solid minerals sector,” Mr Aidamenbor said.

The police command in Edo has launched a manhunt for a suspect who allegedly killed his fiancée, known as Mama Hallelujah, and her three-year-old daughter, Miracle.

Moses Yamu, the command’s spokesman, announced this Tuesday in Benin.

Mr Yamu explained that the gruesome murder of the mother and child was discovered on March 18 by a concerned neighbour in Ovbiogoe Community, near Ekiadolor, Ovia North-East LGA.

He said the concerned neighbour had reported a foul smell coming from the victim’s residence on Idiangbona Street.

”Acting on the report, the divisional police officer of Ekiadolor, alongside operatives, forced their way into the apartment, which had been locked from the outside. Inside, they found the decomposing bodies of the woman and her child.

“The woman had a deep cut on her head, suspected to be from a machete, while the child was lifeless on the bed,” Mr Yamu explained.

He said preliminary investigations implicated the suspect, who has been missing since the discovery.

”The couple have been preparing for their wedding, scheduled for March 29, before the tragic incident.

“All evidence so far points to the fiancé, who has since gone underground. The police are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring his arrest,” Mr Yamu stated.

He assured the public that the command was fully committed to bringing the suspect to justice, urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact the nearest police station.

“We appeal to members of the public to assist with credible information that can lead to his apprehension. Justice must be served for the victims,” he said.

He added that the police had intensified investigations, while the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the mortuary for further examination.

The Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, has resigned his appointment.

The resignation of the HoS, who served under the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara was contained in a statement issued by the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator and obtained by newsmen on Tuesday morning.

The Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), thanked Nwaeke for his service to him within the short period since he assumed office and wished him well in his future endeavours.

The statement reads, “The office of His Excellency, the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (retd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, is saddened to announce the resignation of the Head of Service, Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke, FCA, Mni.

“His Excellency, the Administrator appreciates the immense contributions he has shown this administration in the short period he served and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”

Meanwhile, Ibas has appointed Prof. Ibibi Worika as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government.

Worika’s appointment was also contained in a statement from the office of the Sole Administrator also obtained on Tuesday morning.

The statement reads, “His Excellency, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.) CFR, the Administrator of Rivers State, is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG).

“His appointment follows careful consideration of his credentials, extensive experience, and performance during rigorous selection process.

“Professor Worika’s distinguished career spans academia, international legal practice, and high-level policy advisory roles, making him uniquely qualified to support the administrator in the onerous task of achieving Mr President’s mandate. His appointment takes immediate effect.

“Professor Worika’s appointment reflects the administrator’s commitment to harnessing the great human capital of the Rivers’ people to work with him to achieve the much-needed peace, stability and security.”

A court in Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, has issued an arrest warrant against a man in a case filed over the death of a cat.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate GM Farhan Ishtiaque passed the order after taking cognisance of the charges brought against Akbar Hossain Shiblu.

Mr Shiblu was issued an arrest warrant for his involvement in killing a cat on February 1.

On February 5, Nafisa Chowdhury lodged the case on behalf of the People for Animal Welfare Foundation in Bangladesh.

In the case statement, Ms Chowdhury said the cat went missing on February 1.

Subsequently, the CCTV footage showed Mr Shiblu kicking the cat to death.

The negotiations between U.S. and Russian delegations in Riyadh will be held in a closed format.

The negotiation had already started, Al Arabiya broadcaster reported earlier in the day.

The RIA Novosti correspondent confirmed that the Russian delegation had arrived at the negotiation venue at the Ritz-Carlton hotel.

Saudi Arabia’s state security service officers had asked journalists and others to leave the hotel’s premises and refrain from photo and video recording.

Security personnel in vehicles were stationed throughout the hotel grounds, and entry into the building was strictly prohibited.

The Russian delegation arrived in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

Russia was represented at the meeting by Grigory Karasin, head of the Russian upper house’s foreign affairs committee, and Sergei Beseda, an adviser to the director of the Federal Security Service.

The talks are expected to focus primarily on the nuances of a possible resumption of the initiative concerning the safety of navigation in the Black Sea.

It was discussed during the last phone call between the Russian and U.S. presidents.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered an immediate probe into the prison break at the Koton Karfe Correctional Centre in Kogi.

This is contained in a statement by the minister’s special adviser on media, Babatunde Alao, on Monday in Abuja.

The minister described the incident as unfortunate and vowed to ensure all fleeing inmates are captured.

He said the ministry would leverage the service’s robust biometrics and already deployed technological solutions to ensure this.

Mr Tunji-Ojo also ordered the acting controller general of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi, to visit the facility.

He also directed Mr Ndidi to evaluate the situation and commence a comprehensive audit to unravel the events that led to the incident.

The minister assured that the ministry and security agencies were on top of the situation to maintain law and order.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, distributed 10,000 bags (25kg) of rice to religious leaders and Muslim groups in FCT as a Ramadan package.

Mr Wike explained during the distribution on Monday in Gwagwalada that the gesture was part of the FCT Administration’s annual support to Muslims in FCT.

The minister, represented by his chief of staff, Chidi Amadi, identified the beneficiaries as Muslim religious groups, associations and vulnerable groups in the FCT.

“The distribution of the 10,000 bags of rice is part of our efforts to identify with our Muslim brothers, the needy and the less privileged who really need such support.

“The minister, in his own little way, is trying to identify with the religious community in FCT,” he said.

Earlier, FCTA director of protocol Sani Daura said that other beneficiaries of the Ramadan package would include FCT-graded chiefs, religious leaders, and the FCT Welfare Association.

Mr Daura said that Mr Wike approved the procurement and distribution of the items in keeping with the FCT Administration’s long-standing tradition of catering to residents’ welfare, particularly during festive periods.

The beneficiaries thanked Mr Wike for the gesture, describing it as “thoughtful.”

One of them, the chief imam of the FCT Minister’s residence, Life Camp, Abuja, Lawal Mustapha, said the kind gesture would ease the food burden among vulnerable households.

Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has denied reports that she apologised to the Senate over the issue that led to her suspension.

Akpoti-Uduaghan in a statement on Monday, described the claims as “false and misleading,” insisting that she still stands by her position.

“The reports suggesting that I have apologized to the Senate and retracted my position are completely untrue. I stand firmly by my words and actions and have not issued any apology to the Senate or anyone regarding this matter,” she said.

She criticised those spreading the false reports, accusing them of trying to twist the truth and mislead the public.

The senator, who was suspended after a disagreement with Senate leadership, said she remains committed to defending the rights of her people. She also claimed that some individuals were trying to manipulate public opinion with fake statements.

“I urge the public to disregard these rumours and publications as they do not represent my position. My commitment remains to truth, justice, and the people I represent.”

She also expressed concern over what she called a planned effort to silence her voice in the National Assembly.

She stated, “This is not just about me; it is about the integrity of our democracy. I will not be intimidated or forced into submission through false narratives.”

She urged Nigerians to be careful of misinformation, adding that any official statement from her would come only from her verified channels.

“I appreciate the support and solidarity of my people. Rest assured, I will continue to fight for what is right and just.”

There have been calls for Akpoti-Uduaghan to be recalled following her suspension from the senate.

The push to recall her followed her suspension from the Senate, after a heated dispute with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over seating arrangements.

She also accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and has since taken her case before local and foreign media and the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Earlier, the Independent National Electoral Commission disclosed that it had received the petition seeking the recall process of Akpoti-Uduaghan as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Secretary to the commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, received the petition on Monday.

Two ex-police officers have been arrested in Mexico for alleged links to a suspected drug cartel training ground where bones, shoes and clothing were found earlier this month, authorities said Sunday.

The discovery of human remains at what Human Rights Watch has called an “apparent mass killing site” has caused shock in a country where murders and kidnappings are daily occurrences.

One of the former officers is accused of kidnapping a man who was held at the Izaguirre Ranch in Teuchitlan in the western state of Jalisco, the state attorney general’s office said in a statement.

The former agent and colleagues detained the victim for a supposed search as he was riding a motorbike, before handing him over to a group who took him to the site, it said.

The man was later released from the ranch following an armed confrontation, the statement added.

Families searching for some of the more than 100,000 people missing in Mexico discovered bodies on March 5 at the site where forced recruits are thought to have been held.

Some 124,000 people are officially registered as missing in Mexico, mostly since 2006 when the government declared war on drug cartels.

The Guerreros Buscadores collective – a group dedicated to locating missing people – described the site as an “extermination center” with “clandestine crematoriums”.

The Mexican attorney general’s office, which is set to take over the investigation, said Sunday that a second former police officer had been arrested in connection to the case.

Both ex-officers belonged to a police force whose chief had already been detained.

Attorney General Alejandro Gertz promised Wednesday there would be no cover-up in the investigation, saying extensive evidence meant that the “truth will come out.”

He listed multiple flaws in the initial investigation overseen by the Jalisco state prosecutor’s office, including a failure to thoroughly search the site.