The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has confirmed the abduction of two of its staff members in its Ogun region on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

The company expressed deep concern over the whereabouts of the abducted employees and the condition of their families during the period of uncertainty.

In a statement, IBEDC management said it is working closely with relevant security agencies to secure the safe return of the affected staff.

“We are also in active engagement with their families, providing the necessary support.

“Given the sensitive nature of this incident and ongoing efforts to resolve it, we are unable to provide further details at this time.

“We kindly request understanding and restraint as we prioritize the safety and well-being of those involved.”

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A former Governor of Jigawa State and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sule Lamido, has called on members of the party to forgive one another and put aside internal divisions in order to reposition the opposition party ahead of future elections.

Lamido made the appeal while speaking on the ongoing crisis within the PDP, warning that continued infighting could weaken the party’s relevance in Nigeria’s political space.

He urged party members and those who had left to embrace reconciliation, stressing that many politicians across the All Progressives Congress (APC) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) still trace their roots to the PDP.

“Let us forgive each other. We are brothers and sisters. Why should we be prisoners of the moment? Life is dynamic,” he said.

Lamido said opposition politics required unity and discipline, especially at a time when Nigerians were grappling with insecurity and economic hardship. He also criticised what he described as a growing focus on political ambition at the expense of governance issues.

“The most dangerous thing is a family fight. When a family begins to fight itself, it becomes very bitter,” he said, adding that internal disputes were distracting from the party’s core responsibility of offering credible alternatives and holding government accountable.

The former governor expressed concern that legal victories in internal party disputes do not necessarily translate into political stability, noting that unresolved grievances could continue to weaken the party’s structure.

He maintained that the PDP still had the capacity to remain a dominant political force if it could resolve its internal challenges and rebuild trust among members.

According to him, the party’s strength lies in its democratic culture and shared history, which should be preserved through dialogue and reconciliation rather than prolonged conflict.

Lamido also suggested that many politicians across other parties could still return to the PDP if provided with a stable and credible platform, adding that political movement between parties is often driven by convenience rather than ideology.

He called for sustained efforts toward reconciliation within the party, insisting that only political solutions—not legal battles—can restore unity and stability.

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Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has said the commencement of international operations from the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, would boost tourism, trade and investment in the state and Nigeria at large.

Keyamo also said the development would create jobs and enhance regional integration within West Africa.

Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Tunde Moshood, disclosed this in a statement, saying Keyamo joined Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State for the historic inaugural international flight from the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, to Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Ghana.

According to the statement, launch of operations at the Victor Attah International Airport now positions Akwa Ibom State as a rising hub for regional and global air connectivity.

The statement reads: “This bold vision and sustained investment in aviation infrastructure is not just a commendable development for the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State but a shining example of subnational commitment to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda for economic diversification and connectivity.

“The inaugural flight to Accra was greeted with excitement and celebration, as dignitaries, stakeholders, and passengers witnessed the take-off of what is widely regarded as a new chapter in Nigeria’s aviation story.”

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The Nigerian Police Force has provided an update on the killing of a suspect by a police officer in Effurun, Delta State.

It was earlier reported that on 26th April 2026 in Effurun, Delta State, a 28-year-old man, Mene Ogidi received a parcel from a friend in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, delivered to him by a driver.

After collection, he proceeded to a motor park to waybill the parcel to Sapele, with the name, address, and phone number of the intended receiver written on it.

The parcel was searched and found to contain a fabricated Beretta pistol and four rounds of 9mm live ammunition.

Those who witnessed the incident effected a citizens’ arrest and subsequently contacted the police.

ASP Nuhu Usman and members of his team responded and arrived at the scene. The suspect was formally handed over to Usman as team lead.

At that point, rather than follow established police rules of engagement and standard operational procedures, ASP Usman shot and killed the unarmed, already apprehended suspect.

The remains of Mene Ogidi has since been deposited at the mortuary while the police awaits a formal autopsy by a certified pathologist, which findings will form part of the evidence to support prosecution in this case.

Addressing the press on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed that the public be kept fully informed as the matter progresses.

Placid, who paraded the suspects at the Force Headquarters on Sunday, said following the incident, the IGP ordered an immediate and thorough investigation conducted by the Police Monitoring Unit.

He said the investigation established that the actions of ASP Nuhu Usman and members of his team constituted professional misconduct, abuse of office, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, culminating in the unlawful killing of Mene Ogidi.

The Force spokesman insisted that no criminal suspicion, however grave, justifies extra-judicial action.

“The case file has been formally forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation for vetting and prosecution. The Force will cooperate fully with the AGF’s office to ensure that this matter is prosecuted to its logical conclusion before a court of competent jurisdiction,” the Force Public Relations Officer said.

He disclosed that the driver who delivered the parcel from Yenagoa, as well as two members of the vigilante group involved remain at large, adding that tactical teams have been deployed and coordinated investigative measures are ongoing to ensure their arrest and prosecution.

Placid added, “The Nigeria Police Force reassures Nigerians, particularly the family of Mr. Mene Ogidi, that justice will be served in this matter. The Force does not shield officers who violate the law. No rank, no position, and no circumstance will be permitted to place any officer above accountability.

“This case is being handled with the full weight of transparency and institutional integrity. The Nigeria Police Force is aware that the eyes of Nigerians and the international community are on this matter, and we are resolved that our actions will reflect the highest standards of justice, accountability, and respect for human rights.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and assure them that the full weight of the law will be brought to bear on all those found culpable.

“Members of the public are encouraged to remain calm, continue to cooperate with law enforcement, and trust that this process will be seen through to the end.”

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The United Bank for Africa has dismissed as false and defamatory a viral social media claim alleging that its Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, has divorced his wife.

In a formal notice issued by the bank’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, on Sunday, the institution described the publication as “fabricated, reckless, and malicious,” adding that it was intended to damage the reputation of the bank and its chairman.

The statement read,“The attention of UBA Group has been drawn to a false, defamatory, and malicious publication currently circulating on social media platforms, falsely alleging that the Group Chairman, Mr Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, has divorced his wife.”

UBA stressed that the claim had no factual basis and constituted a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

It further stated, “These statements and all similar content are entirely fabricated, reckless, and without basis. The claims are a deliberate falsehood designed to mislead the public and cause reputational harm.”

The bank also confirmed that security agencies had been notified and arrests had already been made.

“The matter has been referred to the relevant law enforcement authorities, who have commenced action. We confirm that three individuals directly connected to the creation and dissemination of these malicious falsehoods have been arrested,” the statement said.

The individuals named include, Kingsley Akunemeihe (@Directorkem), Chigozie Ihebom, and John Nwanorue (@problemchimky)

UBA added that investigations were ongoing and may lead to further arrests and prosecutions of others involved in the alleged defamation campaign.

The bank warned individuals and platforms spreading the content to desist immediately, stating, “This serves as a formal notice to all individuals, platforms, and entities involved in the publication, reposting, or continued dissemination of this content to immediately cease and desist.”

It also directed that all related materials be taken down and preserved for possible legal proceedings, while cautioning that failure to comply would attract civil and criminal action.

UBA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the reputation and privacy of its chairman and the institution, saying it would pursue all available legal remedies against those responsible.

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Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, counterpart, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, have formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.

The duo joined the NDC after Obi earlier on Sunday dumped the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The two political heavyweights made their decisions with the aim to paving way for their aspirations for 2027 Presidency.

Earlier, they were received received by the National Leader of the NDC and former Governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson and its National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, at the party’s headquarters in Abuja.

The party leaders have described the new development as a growing wave of confidence in the NDC nationwide.

Nigeria’s ambassador to Mexico, Reno Omokri has urged northerners to reconsider placing their political hopes on Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 general Election, arguing that the former Anambra State governor’s history of party defections raises questions about his consistency.

Omokri spoke in a statement shared on his X handle on Sunday.

His comment follows Peter Obi’s resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Sunday. Obi had while explaining his resignation noted that the same Nigerian state and its agents, who created what he described as unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party which forced his exit, now appear to be finding their way into the ADC.

Reacting, Omokri alleged that parties Obi joined were relatively stable before his arrival but later became troubled by internal disputes.

“Every party Peter Obi has been in has been relatively crisis-free until Peter joined that party. And as soon as he comes in, peace goes out of that party and strife sets in,” Omokri wrote.

He added: “Once can be a mistake. Twice may be a coincidence. But after the third time, and then the fourth, it becomes a pattern. The parties are not the problem. Peter is the issue.”

According to Omokri, Obi’s repeated movement across political platforms should make northern voters cautious about trusting his political promises.

“Peter Obi has made four very public promises not to leave the four political parties that gave him four platforms to rise to power and prominence. And each time, Mr Obi has broken such promises, providing one flimsy reason after another,” he said.

Omokri further claimed that Obi may be preparing to leave yet another platform.

“In fact, he is gearing up to exit his fourth political party and enter his fifth,” he stated.

Questioning Obi’s promise of a single-term presidency, Omokri asked: “What gives the North any confidence that a serial promise breaker will keep his promise to them to do just one term?

“In carrying out a SWOT analysis of Northern Nigeria, Arewa will realise that out-of-school children, which are leading to a rise in insecurity, are its greatest challenge, while agriculture is its biggest strength.”

Omokri also questioned Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State.

“As such, it is prudent to ask if a man who, as Governor, did not build a single nursery, primary, or secondary school and university, and also did not develop even one small communal garden, talks more of mechanised agriculture, is in a position to add value to Northern Nigeria,” he said.

Throwing his support behind Tinubu, Omokri argued that the North would be better served backing the President in 2027.

“It makes no sense for Northern Nigeria to cast its lot with Peter Obi on the strength of a one-term promise when Arewa has the choice of a performing President Bola Tinubu, who, by law, can only serve one more term.

“Therefore, if Nigeria’s unity is important to you, the only option for 2027 is Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

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Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in 2023, has confirmed that he is leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

TheCable had on Saturday reported that Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former Kano governor, would leave the ADC.

In a statement on Sunday afternoon, Obi said he is quitting the party because of “endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division”.

“Let me state clearly: my decision to leave the ADC is not because our highly respected Chairman, Senator David Mark, treated me badly, nor because my leader and elder brother, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, or any other respected leaders did anything personally wrong to me. I will continue to respect them,” he wrote on his X page.

“However, the same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party that forced me to leave now appear to be finding their way into the ADC, with endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division, instead of focusing on deeper national problems and playing politics built more on control and exclusion than on service and nation-building.

“Even within spaces where one labours sincerely, one is sometimes treated like an outsider in one’s own home. You and your team become easy targets for every failure, frustration, or misunderstanding, as though honest contribution has become a favour being tolerated rather than appreciated.

“And when you choose to leave so that those you are leaving can have peace, and you step out into the cold, you are still maligned and your character is questioned. Despite all your efforts to continue working for a better Nigeria and engaging people with sincerity and goodwill, those who do not wish you well continue to attack your character and question your intentions.

“There are moments I ask God in prayer: Why is doing the right thing often misconstrued as wrongdoing in our country? Why is integrity not valued? Why is the prudent management of resources, especially when invested in critical areas like education and healthcare, wrongly labelled as stinginess? Why are humility and obedience to the rule of law often taken to be weakness rather than discipline?”

Obi added that he is eager to see a country that works for its citizens, reiterating that he is not desperate to be president, vice-president, or senate president.

“I am desperate to see a society that can console a mother whose child has been kidnapped or killed while going to school or work,” he said.

“I am desperate to see a Nigeria where people will not live in IDP camps but in their homes. I am desperate for a country where Nigerian citizens do not go to bed hungry, not knowing where their next meal will come from.”