Mr Itodo stated, “The majority of the political class want power at all costs and are willing to kill, just to secure power.’’Acivil society organisation, Yiaga Africa, has called on the Federal Government to criminalise electoral fraud to sanitise the county’s electoral process.Executive Director of the CSO, Samson Itodo, made the call during an interview on Sunday in Abuja.

Mr Itodo said that practices such as vote buying, violence, thuggery and manipulation of results had constituted hindrances to electing credible political representations in Nigeria.

He said, “What we are now seeing is people with purchasing power buying their ways through during elections and they resort to exchanging competence with mediocrity. The politicians now know the language of the people because they have weaponised poverty.’’

According to him, what the country needs now are stringent laws that will criminalise vote buying, thuggery and other forms of fraud during elections.

Mr Itodo said that the provisions in the Electoral Act were only about bribery and conspiracy which were not enough to tackle the menace.

“I think we need to clearly outline and define vote buying and also prosecute the sponsors and their agents who are buying and selling votes. We also need to constantly re-orientate people to tell them the reason why the politicians are buying votes,” he said.

The executive director said if these were able to be achieved and people used their votes wisely, it would ensure credibility in the country’s electoral process.

According to him, until the state begins to prosecute and jail people instigating and perpetrating violence, nothing will change.

He stated, “The majority of the political class want power at all costs and are willing to kill, just to secure power. One of the sins they said Yiaga Africa committed was exposing these frauds. For me, if that is a sin, I shall commit it many times over. That way people can hold them to account. But if you continue to allow our electoral process to be captured by political elements, we will get to a point where only one per cent of people will turn out to vote.’’

Stressing the need for Nigerians to turn out en masse to vote during elections, Mr Itodo said that the current level of turnout cannot change anything.

He added, “If Nigerians show up in their large numbers, I bet you, they will determine the outcome of such elections. It is easier to rig an election when people don’t show up. If people show up and insist that the right thing be done, then it will be difficult for those people to manipulate the process.

Mr Ojelabi urged Christian faithful to live by the lessons of Easter.The All Progressives Congress in Lagos State has felicitated with Christians at Easter, urging them to live as “resurrected people, transformed by grace and love.”The state’s party Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, said this in his Easter message in Lagos on Sunday.

Mr Ojelabi emphasised the significance of Jesus’ resurrection, urging faithful to live by the lessons of Easter.

The chairman encouraged Christians to carry the light of Christ into a “broken world,” referencing Matthew 28:19.

He said, “I urge the Christians to reject fear and complacency, serving as a living testament to the power of the risen saviour. They should imbibe the spirit to forgive, love, and serve others as they have been forgiven, loved, and served by Christ.’’

As the local government election in the state approaches, Mr Ojelabi prayed for God’s intervention for a peaceful, transparent, and credible outcome.

He prayed to God to guide the hearts of stakeholders to ensure that the process reflects the will of the people.

Mr Ojelabi further prayed that God should give the electorate the wisdom to make informed decisions by choosing leaders who would serve with integrity and vision.

He expressed hope that the election would usher in a new era of leadership, bringing progress and development to the grassroots.

The APC chairman also prayed for Nigeria’s unity, leaders and citizens

The commissioner emphasised the importance of discipline, safety, and strict adherence to rules of engagement while handling firearms.The police command in Jigawa State has tasked residents of the state with providing credible information towards maintaining peace and security across the state.This is contained in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Lawan Shiisu in Dutse, on Sunday.

Mr Shiisu quoted the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ahamadu Abdullahi as saying this while addressing the newly passed out police constables at the end of their shooting range training exercise.

He said the commissioner, represented by the Commanding Officer of Police Mobile Force (35MF) Dutse, ACP Olufemi Akinola, said the training was part of the command’s ongoing efforts to improve operational readiness and weapon handling skills among its personnel.

Mr Abdullahi added that it also aligned with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure a professionally competent and combat-ready police force capable of responding effectively to security challenges.

The commissioner emphasised the importance of discipline, safety, and strict adherence to rules of engagement while handling firearms.

He noted that the use of weapons must always be in line with the laws and standard operational procedures of the Nigeria Police Force.

Mr Abdullahi praised the new constables for their performance during the exercise and encouraged them to continue carrying out their duty with integrity, courage, and respect for human rights.

Assuring the people of the state of the command’s commitment to train and retrain its personnel, the CP urged members of the public to support the command in its efforts to protect lives and property by providing timely and credible information to help maintain peace and security in communities across the state.

Mr Ojo said, “The Osun University of Ilesa, Osun, deeply regrets to announce the tragic and untimely death of one of its students, Gbolahan Ojo.’’

The management of the University of Ilesa, Osun State, on Saturday announced the death of a 100-level student of the institution who was electrocuted while charging his mobile phone.Prototype Engineering Development InstituteIn a statement issued by the University’s Registrar, Funso Ojo, the school stated that deceased student, Gbolahan Ojolo, was a 100-level student of the Department of Business Administration.

He said, “The Osun University of Ilesa, Osun, deeply regrets to announce the tragic and untimely death of one of its students, Gbolahan Ojo. The unfortunate incident occurred in the evening of Friday, April 18, 2025. Gbolahan was electrocuted while playing a game on his mobile phone, which was being charged in his room at a private hostel located near the Prototype Engineering Development Institute (PEDI) junction. The electrocution was reportedly triggered by a lightning strike during a thunderstorm. Following the incident, the university promptly informed the police, and after due clearance, the remains of the deceased were taken to the morgue of the Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa.’’The registrar stated that police had since commenced a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He said the father of the deceased was immediately notified and had since arrived in Ilesa.

He said the management of the institution and the area commander of police were present to receive the father of the deceased as a show of concern and solidarity.

He noted, “The University of Ilesa has also made necessary arrangements to support the family during this moment of intense grief and will continue to stand by them through this difficult time.’’

He said the university community mourned the painful loss and prayed for the repose of Gbolahan’s soul.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, classmates, and the Department of Business Administration,” he said.

(NAN)

The Lagos State police maintained that it is committed to justice and the safety of members of the general public, urging calm and the pursuit of appropriate judicial resolution.

Contrary to the Lagos Police Command’s claim, Mr Effiong reaffirmed that Mr Quadri is 17 years old, not 18, as evidenced by his birth certificate and confirmed by his mother.

“First, we wish to restate that Quadri is not 18 years old as mischievously parroted by the police. He is 17 as contained in his birth certificate and attested to by his mother. He was born on the 29th day of September, 2007,” Mr Effiong noted.Mr Effiong also refuted the claim that Mr Quadri was involved in a street fight, committed robbery, or damaged anyone’s property.

Challenging the police claims, Mr Effiong demanded that the Lagos Police Command explain to the public the exact circumstances that led to Mr Quadri’s arrest and subsequent remand at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri.KirikiriCiting “shamelessness, lawlessness, and utter contempt for justice and the truth,” Mr Effiong reiterated his intent to seek redress in court and to hold accountable the officers involved in Mr Quadri’s remand.

“We condemn this gross act of recklessness and irresponsibility by the police. By taking this path, the Nigeria Police Force is reminding the country that it is very far from redemption,” Mr Effiong said.We shall meet the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, the DPO of Amukoko, CSP Olaniran Ismaila O., the IPO, Inspector Odigbe Samuel, and others in the court in the coming days to seek redress and adequate compensation for Quadri. We will also file a formal complaint with the Police Service Commission against the lawless DPO of Amukoko,” the lawyer added.

An NGO, Caleb Danladi Foundation, has enrolled 300 indigent residents of Kwoi in Jaba Local Government Area into the Kaduna State Contributory Health Scheme.

Inaugurating the enrollment on Saturday, founder of the foundation, Caleb Bako, said the initiative was part of the foundation’s commitment to alleviating the burden of healthcare costs among vulnerable groups.

Mr Bako emphasised the importance of universal healthcare access, especially for the poor and underserved.

“Our goal is to bridge the gap in access to healthcare for the less privileged in our communities.

“No one should be left to suffer simplyNo one should be left to suffer simply because they cannot afford medical attention,” he added.

The director general of the Kaduna State Health Management Authority (KADCHMA), Abubakar Hassan, described the gesture as a model for other well-meaning

The Nigeria Police Force has said Benjamin Best Nnayereugo, otherwise known as “Killaboi,” was on Saturday, extradited from Doha, Qatar, over the murder of 21-year-old Augusta Onuwabhagbe, a student at Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, on July 13, 2023.

Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, said the suspect who had been on the run since the murder in Lagos State, was extradited following a joint effort with the Federal Ministry of Justice; INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Abuja; and the judicial authorities in Qatar.

Mr Adejobi said, “The Nigeria Police Force has successfully completed the extradition of Benjamin Best Nnayereugo, male, widely known as “Killaboi,” from Doha, Qatar to Nigeria. The fugitive, who had been on the run for the murder of Miss Augusta Oseodion Onuwabhagbe, was returned to the country in the early hours of today, Saturday, April 19. 2025, through the coordinated efforts with the Ministry of Justice, INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Force Headquarters Abuja and the Qatari Judicial Authorities.’’

The suspect’s extradition was in response to a petition filed on September 29, 2024, by the late student’s family through their legal representatives, which was later referred to INTERPOL NCB Abuja for investigation.

“Investigations revealed that the suspect, Benjamin Best Nnayereugo, murdered Miss Onuwabhagbe, a 21-year-old first-class student of Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, at his residence located at No. 24A Abiola Apooyi Street, Oral Estate, Ajah, Lagos, on 13th July 2023. After committing the crime, he fled Nigeria and later released an online video purporting to confess to the act, a deceptive strategy to derail investigative efforts,” the police said.

The fleeing suspect who was declared wanted by the NPF Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department on October 13, 2023, and an INTERPOL Red Notice issued for his global apprehension, was initially nabbed in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on October 20, 2023, under the false identity “KANU PRINCETON SAMUEL,” but escaped custody during a prison break on November 26, 2023.

The police stated that the suspect kept evading law enforcement across multiple regions including West Africa, East Asia and the Middle East, under forged identities before he eventually relocated to Doha, on January 24, 2025, with the alias “TOURE ABDOULAYE”, using a fraudulent Guinean passport, before he secured an illegal employment and concealed his identity.

“Through robust international cooperation and the use of advanced biometrics, INTERPOL NCB Abuja, in collaboration with INTERPOL NCB Doha, confirmed his identity, leading to his arrest by Qatari authorities in February 2025. An official extradition request, processed via the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja, was subsequently approved by the Qatari judicial authorities, resulting in his repatriation to Nigeria,” the police added.The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, while recognising the strength in the synergy amongst nations to curb trans-border crimes, commended the diligence of INTERPOL NCB Abuja and appreciated the Justice minister, Lateef Fagbemi; Government of Qatar, INTERPOL NCB Doha, and the Nigerian Embassy in Qatar for their collaboration in securing the fugitive’s return.

Mr Egbetokun further assured the public that the 26-year-old suspect from Abia State would face prosecution, as part of its dedication to justice and the safety of Nigerians.

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, on Saturday visited communities that were recently attacked by gunmen in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that on April 2, gunmen attacked Hurti, Josho, Daffo, and other communities in Manguna District of the locality.

Similarly, gunmen on Sunday attacked Zike and Kimakpa communities of Kwall District, Iregwe Chiefdom of Bassa.

In both incidents, the attackers killed scores and destroyed many houses and other properties.Speaking, the minister, who commiserated with the families of those who lost their loved ones, expressed the government’s commitment to the safety of lives and property.

“We are here on behalf of the Federal Government to identify and share in your grief.

“We want to assure you that security agencies will bring these senseless killings to an end. have been adequately briefed, and I want to assure you that we will get to the root of this matter. We will capture the perpetrators of this evil act.

“The president is deeply concerned and has ordered us to find the perpetrators so they can face justice.

The White House on Friday restated its theory that COVID-19 was a man-made virus which leaked from a laboratory in Wuhan, China.

A new website launched by the White House on Friday, accused Dr. Anthony Fauci, a former chief medical advisor to ex-President Joe Biden, of pushing the proximal origin of SARS-CoV-2 publication to discredit the lab leak theory.

The website indicated, “The proximal origin of SARS-CoV-2” publication—which was used repeatedly by public health officials and the media to discredit the lab leak theory—was prompted by Dr. Fauci to push the preferred narrative that COVID-19 originated naturally.’’

The White House listed five premises that suggested that COVID-19 was a man-made virus that leaked from the Wuhan laboratory.

The statement noted, “The virus possesses a biological characteristic that is not found in nature. Data shows that all COVID-19 cases stem from a single introduction into humans. This runs contrary to previous pandemics where there were multiple spillover events.”

It further stated, “Wuhan is home to China’s foremost SARS research lab, which has a history of conducting gain-of-function research (gene altering and organism supercharging) at inadequate biosafety levels. Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) researchers were sick with COVID-like symptoms in the fall of 2019, months before COVID-19 was discovered at the wet market.”

The White House statement raised questions on the origin of the deadly virus that killed millions across the world and forced lockdowns that affected economies,

The development emerged months after the CIA reported that COVID-19 could have likely been caused by a lab leak.

The Ekiti State Police Command has launched investigation into the death of the Odofin of Igede- Ekiti, High Chief Emmanuel Adetona who was found dead in a bush along Aramoko Road.

The deceased family had previously reported him missing, suspecting possible abduction before his body was discovered lifeless in a bush near Baptist Cemetery in the community.

According to family source, the corpse had visible injuries, including a bloodied head, and a stick suspected to have been used in the incident was found beside his lifeless body.

He said, “The family is saddened by the discovery of our beloved Odofin’s lifeless body. We suspect foul play and demand a thorough investigation into his death.”

“The circumstances surrounding his death are still unclear, and we urge the Police authorities to leave no stone unturned.Our community is in mourning, and we pray for justice for our fallen leader.”

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, confirmed the incident, saying the corpse has been deposited in the morgue detectives were working to unravel truth behind the tragic incident.

Abutu noted that further updates would be provided on the incident as the probe progressed.

Veteran Philippine actress Nora Aunor has passed away at the age of 71.

Her daughter, Lotlot de Leon, announced her death on Instagram, expressing deep sorrow and gratitude for her mother’s legacy.

She wrote: “Nora Aunor, It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, celebrated television and movie actress, and a true National Artist of the Philippines, Nora Aunor.

Nora Aunor was a celebrated television and movie actress and a true National Artist of the Philippines.

She rose to fame in the 1960s as a singer before transitioning into acting, earning numerous accolades for her performances.

In 2022, she was given the country’s highest honour for actors, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, in recognition of her contributions to Philippine arts.

Details of her funeral service will be announced later.

“Her funeral service details to follow. We thank everyone for their support and ask for continued prayers during this time of mourning”, she added.

Google has announced the opening of applications for the 2025 edition of its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program, aimed at empowering early-stage startups leveraging artificial intelligence to solve critical challenges across the continent.

The three-month accelerator is designed to support Seed to Series A-stage startups building AI-first solutions in Africa. Eligible startups must have a live product, at least one founder of African descent, and a clear vision for responsible AI development.

Selected participants will receive up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, access to expert mentorship from Google and industry leaders, and inclusion in a global network of investors, partners, and collaborators. They will also benefit from targeted workshops on product strategy, technology development, leadership, and AI integration.

Highlighting the potential of AI to drive inclusive growth in Africa, Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa at Google, said: “Startups are Africa’s problem solvers. With the right resources, they can scale their impact far beyond local communities. This program reflects our belief that AI can be transformative when shaped by those who understand the context deeply.”

The initiative has already supported 140 startups across 17 African countries since its launch in 2018. These startups have collectively raised over $300 million in funding and created more than 3,000 jobs. One standout alumni, Nigeria-based agritech platform Crop2Cash, uses AI to help smallholder farmers access credit and build financial identities, showcasing the transformative power of AI in agriculture.

Google’s commitment is rooted in research that suggests AI could add $1.3 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030, provided that grassroots innovation is nurtured.

Applications for the 2025 cohort are currently open. Interested startups can apply via the program’s official page at: https://startup.google.com/programs/accelerator/africa

For updates and more information, visit the Google Africa Blog or follow @GoogleAfrica on social media.

Negligence in extinguishing firewood used in cooking on Thursday resulted in an inferno at a welder’s workshop located at Better Life Area, Sabo in Oyo town.

The General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Yemi Akinyinka, made this known in a statement to journalists on Thursday.

Mr Akinyinka attributed the cause of the fire to carelessness on the part of an apprentice who forgot to completely put out firewood used to cook inside the workshop before the close of work on Wednesday.

He said the agency’s officers received a distress call about the incident at about 12:11a.m., on Thursday from one Mujidat Olalere and immediately deployed its officers to the scene.

He stated, “On arrival, we saw a welder’s workshop well lit, and the agency’s officers quickly arrested the fire and extinguished it without allowing it to affect other nearby buildings and property. The fire incident was because of an apprentice who cooked with firewood inside the shop and forgot to adequately put out the fire before close of the day and this set the workshop on fire at the midnight.’’

A 17-year-old boy, Quadri Alabi, who became an internet sensation after standing in front of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s convoy, in February 2023, has regained freedom from prison.

Alabi’s release came four months after his detention at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, over an accusation of armed robbery.

A human rights Lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, made the disclosure via his social media handle on Thursday.

Mr Inibehe noted that Alabi was abducted by two hoodlums at Amukoko, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State and consequently dumped at the Amukoko Divisional Police Headquarters, Lagos State in January.

Mr Inibehe stated Alabi’s travail was linked to a donation he received for supporting the candidacy of Mr Obi during the 2023 presidential campaign.

He said, “Alabi was returning from work when he was grabbed by the duo, who along with other jealous and entitled area boys in the community, have been harassing him and threatening to deal with him since 2023 for not giving them ‘their share’ of money he got during the last elections period. Quadri’s family informed us that the baale of the community equally pressured them to buy a cow and rice and cook for the community to appease the area boys.’’

The Magistrate who handled the case, A. O Olorunfemi, said that the legal advice by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Ministry of Justice, Lagos State, Dr. Babajide Martins, indicated that there was no evidence to corroborate allegation of armed robbery levelled against Alabi.

Mr Inibehe said, “The DPP recommended the non-prosecution of Alabi. Thus, the presiding magistrate discharged him, and he was accordingly freed. We commend the DPP for standing by the truth in this matter.’’

The lawyer also called for the removal of the Divisional Police Officer of Amukoko Divisional Headquarters and disciplinary action against the Investigation Police Officer, Odigbe Samuel, and other officers who participated in what he termed “sinister, oppressive and corrupt scheme of framing-up of Alabi, at the bidding of the street gang who prompted the initial arrest.’’

Mr Inibehe further demanded a compensation of N100,000,000 to the client and a public apology from the Nigeria Police Force.

He added, “If the above three remedial demands are not fully complied with immediately, we shall initiate legal actions to seek redress. Alabi’s case is a painful example of the putrefying corruption, monstrous impunity, and pervasive injustice in the Nigeria Police Force.’’

The Nigerian Air Force said the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have executed two successful air missions, targeting terrorist strongholds in Sambisa general area and the Southern Tumbuns, Borno State.

The Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement on Thursday, said the air strikes were executed on Tuesday.

Mr Ejodame said the first strike occurred at approximately 5:30 am. in Kollaram, a known stronghold of insurgents in Borno.

He said that intelligence reports, supported by surveillance footage, confirmed the presence of high-value terrorist commanders in the area.

According to him, several structures, some equipped with solar panels, were identified as active terrorist hubs.

Mr Ejodame said that NAF’s assets carried out a precision strike on the location, eliminating several fighters and disabling key infrastructure.

He added that a second precision strike followed at about 3:55 pm in Arra, in the Sambisa area, adding that intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance missions had earlier detected clusters of terrorists, and real-time visuals confirmed the significant presence.

According to him, precision-guided munitions were employed, resulting in the effective destruction of targets and disruption of the group’s operational capabilities.

He said, “These back-to-back missions are part of a sustained air campaign designed to erode terrorist capabilities, dismantle leadership structures, and eliminate sanctuaries across Nigeria. The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to ensuring that no location within the country offers haven to terrorists.’’

The Kaduna State Government, through its Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, has rescued 7-year-old Abubakar Sani, whose father, Sani Tanimi Maishago, allegedly poured hot water on his legs as punishment for stealing biscuits in Lere Local Government Area.

The father reportedly tied Abubakar’s legs before the act and, with the boy’s stepmother, locked him in a room for over 20 days without proper food or care.

Hajiya Rabi Salisu, the Commissioner, visited Abubakar at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, where doctors amputated both legs below the knee to save his life.

“The boy’s report came to the ministry about nine days ago, and by then, his legs had already rotted and had maggots coming out,” she said.

The police have arrested Maishago and the stepmother, and Salisu stated they will face court charges upon investigation completion, emphasising the state’s zero-tolerance policy on child abuse. “We will make sure that justice is served to serve as a deterrent to others,” she added.

Dr Abdulkadir Musa, Chief Medical Director of the hospital, noted Abubakar’s legs were unsalvageable, leaving him permanently disabled.

“Perhaps the only thing that can be done to ease his survival is by equipping him with artificial limbs,” he said, urging parents to avoid extreme punishment to prevent irreversible harm.

Nine states from the South-South and South-East will participate in the fifth edition of the Offiong Edem Table Tennis Competition scheduled to commence in Calabar on April 17.

Sponsor of the championship, Offiong Edem, told journalists in Calabar that the tournament would take place at the table tennis hall of the UJ Esuene Stadium from April 17 to April 19.

Ms Edem said N2.5 million and table tennis equipment worth about N10 million would be up for grabs.

The five-time Olympian, currently a table tennis coach in the U.S. after retiring from the sport in 2024, said she chose to organise the tournament annually to discover more talents for the country.

“I am interested in producing other Offiong Edems by encouraging the young talents and sharing what I have with them,” she said.

She said although the competition had always featured players from the South-South and South-East zones in the last four years, it would become a national event in 2026.

Ms Edem said inadequate support for players, especially in getting their kits and participating in competitions, discouraged many players from the sport.

“The government cannot sponsor table tennis alone. The private sector needs to come in. It is sad to see our players qualify for international competitions but cannot participate in them because they do not have sponsors.

”They, however, rely only on participating in local events, which cannot make them better players,” she said.

According to Ms Edem, she decided to retire from the sport to allow younger players to take over the stage.

“I have won gold medals at the African Games,” she stated. “I have participated in all major competitions from the Olympics to the Commonwealth Games and other international competitions, so I felt it was time to quit.”

Usen Umoh, the vice-chairman of the Cross River Table Tennis Federation, said the only way to take many young people off the street was by providing sports facilities.

Mr Umoh maintained that Offiong Edem, who came from a humble background, had provided 75 pairs of rubber for upcoming talents.

“Each pair costs about N200,000,” he said. “If Cross River has three Offiong Edem, we will not go to the government to solicit funds to support the sport in the state.”