The Senate on Tuesday passed for second reading a bill seeking to repeal the existing Nigeria Police Trust Fund Act, 2019 and enact a new legal framework to strengthen funding for the Nigeria Police Force.

The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Bill, 2026 (SB 1030), aims to provide sustainable financing for police equipment, training and welfare, while establishing a new structure for funding the Force.

Debate on the floor was heated, centring on the constitutionality of funding the Police Trust Fund through deductions from the Federation Account.

Leading the concerns, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo warned that a proposed 0.5 per cent deduction could render the bill “null and void” if challenged in court, recalling that a similar arrangement had previously been set aside following opposition from state governors.

He also questioned how funding for the federal police would be harmonised with ongoing discussions around the creation of state police.

Other lawmakers, including Buhari Abdulfatai, argued that the core problem facing the police was not necessarily the volume of funding but the lack of adequate tools and operational support.

He noted that Nigeria currently has about 300,000 police officers serving a population of over 200 million.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, stressed that while there is broad consensus on the need to improve police funding, the overriding concern remains compliance with the Constitution.

“We make the laws; we cannot also break the laws. The Constitution of Nigeria is the ground norm,” he said.

Akpabio urged his colleagues to interrogate whether the bill aligns with Sections 80 and 81 of the Constitution of Nigeria, which regulate withdrawals from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

In response, Mohammed Tahir Monguno cited Section 80(2) to argue that the National Assembly possesses the authority to legislate expenditures charged to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

However, the Senate President countered that Section 81 requires such expenditures to be incorporated into the annual budget estimates, rather than being implemented as a direct statutory deduction.

Following the debate, Akpabio put the bill to a voice vote, with the “Ayes” prevailing and the legislation scaling second reading.

He noted that a public hearing would address lingering concerns, including accountability for previous Police Trust Fund expenditures, alternative sources of funding, and whether the proposed framework would accommodate state policing structures.

Akpabio also directed the Senate Committee on Police Affairs to brief the leadership on how past Trust Fund allocations were utilised.

The bill has now been referred to the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, which is expected to report back to the chamber within two weeks.

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Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving ₦68 billion operational support for the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP).

The funding, to be released in phases from March 2026 to December 2028, aims to address power shortages in Borno State, exacerbated by insurgent attacks on infrastructure.

Ndume said this in Abuja Monday, explaining that stable power will boost economic activities, support SMEs, and complement military efforts against insurgents.

The federal lawmaker said, “I join the Borno state governor, Professor Babagana Zulum and other well-meaning citizens of my state to express
profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this great gesture, aimed at ensuring stable electricity in the state.

“The fund released to the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant is a lifeline that would ultimately engender economic activities, particularly operations of Medium and Small Scale Enterprises (SMES).

“As the saying goes, an idle mind is a devil’s workshop. When the informal sector thrives in a place like Borno state, the government would have succeeded in cutting off the supply chain for recruitment of able-bodied men by the terrorists.

“Apart from that, the stimulus for the seamless operations of our military would have been strengthened.”

The former Senate Chief Whip equally urged the relevant federal and state agencies, the military and the citizenry to ensure that power infrastructures were no longer destroyed, either by insurgents or the nefarious activities of vandals.

“It is to the eternal credit of the federal government that it has responded speedily to our lamentations over power shortage.

“I urge our people to be vigilant and assist the security agencies in checking the excesses of vandals.

“We owe it a duty to safeguard the facilities as the benefits of stable electricity are numerous. When power is restored, it will boost economic activities and improve livelihoods. It will also strengthen efforts to address security challenges.”

He urged citizens to safeguard power facilities and assist security agencies in preventing vandalism.

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The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has initiated an investigation into the viral social media storm surrounding a loaf of bread that reportedly remained fresh for nearly two months.

The probe follows widespread public concern sparked by a TikTok video posted by Abuja-based shop owner Love Dooshima (also known as “Love”).

In the video, she expressed alarm over a loaf of bread widely believed to be from Bon Bread that showed no signs of mold or spoilage even after sitting on her shelf for about two months.

She cautioned viewers about potential food safety implications and the heavy use of preservatives in some commercial breads.

The video quickly went viral, triggering intense online debate about bread production standards, excessive preservatives, and consumer rights in Nigeria.

Bon Bread’s CEO, Maria Abdulkadir (also referred to as Maria Umeagwukadilo), strongly defended the company’s products, describing them as safe.

The company responded by filing a ₦50 million lawsuit against Dooshima, alleging reputational damage and defamation.

The situation escalated when police in Abuja detained Dooshima for questioning over the review. She was later released following interventions, including from senior police authorities and public outcry.

Critics argued that the matter should have been handled by regulatory bodies rather than through police action or civil suits.

The FCCPC’s involvement comes amid growing calls for official intervention by the Commission and NAFDAC to test the product, verify compliance with safety standards, and address broader concerns over food preservatives and shelf-life practices in the industry.

Consumer rights advocates have welcomed the probe, emphasizing that Nigerians deserve transparent information about the safety and quality of everyday food items.

The investigation is expected to examine whether the bread in question meets regulatory requirements and to clarify the balance between freedom of consumer expression and business reputation.

This case has highlighted tensions between brands, online reviewers, and regulators in Nigeria’s digital age.

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) says it is quitting the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) after nearly 60 years of membership.

The Middle East nation is also exiting OPEC+, a wider alliance of the oil cartel.

The UAE said the decision reflected its “long-term strategic and economic vision and evolving energy profile”.

More to follow…

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The police on Tuesday, charged four people before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, for allegedly beating up their neighbour and two police officers.

The defendants are Wahab Sikiru, 45; his wife, Taiwo Sikiru, 35; Taiwo Balikis, 30; and Ifeoluwa Alabi, 26.

They are standing trial on charges bordering on conspiracy, assault and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

They each, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Cpl. David Adepoju, told the court that the defendants conspired to commit the offenses on April 27, at Ido, Ibadan.

He alleged that following a misunderstanding, the defendants conspired to assault their neighbour, one Mrs Aduragbemi Edujobi, by beating her up and tearing her clothes to pieces.

The prosecutor alleged that the defendants also beat up two police officers, Insp. Mercy Sunday and PC Phebe Olatunde, in the cause of executing their lawful duties, and tore their uniforms and badges.

The offenses contravene the provisions of sections 249(d), 351 and 516 of the Criminal Law of Oyo State, 2000.

The Magistrate, Mrs Kausarat Ayofe, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N500,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.

She adjourned the case until June 24, for hearing.

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Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate and a leading aspirant for the 2027 election, has clarified that his Monday visit to former President Goodluck Jonathan was part of ongoing consultations with prominent national leaders ahead of the 2027 presidential race.

Obi led a delegation of top South-East leaders to Jonathan’s residence in Maitama, Abuja.

The closed-door meeting, which lasted about two hours, included figures such as former Enugu State Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa, ex-NDDC Managing Director Onyema Ugochukwu, and Senators Ben Obi and Victor Umeh.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Obi described the engagement as a continuation of his broader consultations with former Nigerian leaders, including ex-Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida.

“We need to consult them, especially someone like him (Jonathan) who served the country very faithfully, focused, and did what is expected in a democracy,” Obi said. “In this declining situation, you consult him.”

He emphasized that the visit was not about seeking endorsement or forming pacts, but about seeking wise counsel from experienced statesmen amid Nigeria’s current challenges.

The meeting comes as political activities and realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Obi positioning himself as a strong contender.

He has consistently framed such engagements as necessary steps to address the nation’s pressing issues through dialogue and experienced perspectives.

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Obafemi Hamzat, deputy governor of Lagos State, says he will serve with integrity, focus and a clear sense of purpose if elected as the next governor.

The remark followed the endorsement of his 2027 governorship aspiration by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the state governor.

According to a video seen by TheCable, Sanwo-Olu endorsed Hamzat as his successor during a meeting with party leaders at the governor’s office in Alausa on Monday.

The governor, who described Hamzat as the “best man for the job,” also offered prayers for his deputy, wishing him strength, peace and divine support in his future endeavours.

“Peace of mind, peace in your family among your children, wife, spouse and everybody. That which you require, God will provide it for you: renewed strength, God Almighty will make it available for you,” Sanwo-Olu said.

At the end of the meeting, Sanwo-Olu embraced his deputy and raised his hand before party members and leaders in a symbolic gesture that drew applause from those in attendance.

In an appreciation post on his X page, Hamzat said Sanwo-Olu’s endorsement means “a great deal” to him.

“Today, I am honoured by the endorsement of my Governor, my
brother and my friend, HE Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” he wrote.

“His trust means a great deal to me. We’ve worked side by side in the service of Lagos State, and I don’t take this vote of confidence
lightly.”

“I remain committed to building on the progress we’ve made together, and look forward to serving Lagosians with integrity, focus and a
clear sense of purpose.”

The development comes amid recent speculation over possible
contenders for the 2027 Lagos governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with political discussions suggesting that Hamzat had emerged as a leading contender.

However, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, a
former governorship candidate, had earlier dismissed claims that the party had settled for a preferred aspirant.

In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Gbenga Ogunleye, Jandor said no formal decision had been taken by the party leadership.

He added, however, that he would align with the outcome if the party eventually adopts a consensus candidate for the race.

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Some gunmen struck again in the Imafon community, in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday, abducting a farm manager, Afolabi Ajayi.

The gunmen were said to have attacked the victim at about 10.30 while he came down from his car to enter the poultry farm.

A family source stated that since the manager had been kidnapped, the bandits had not contacted the family over the issue of ransom.

The source said, “He (victim) came to the poultry farm this morning to check on the workers and how the farm was being run, but the gunmen rushed out from the bush and took him to an unknown destination in the forest.”

The source said the matter was immediately reported at the police station.

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the men of the state police command had been deployed in the area to rescue the victim and apprehend the perpetrators.

“The command has been notified of a kidnapping incident at Ilado, where a farmer was abducted while working on his farm.

“In swift response, additional security apparatus, including tactical teams, have been deployed and are currently combing the surrounding bush to ensure the safe rescue of the victim and apprehension of the perpetrators.

“The command assures the public that all necessary operational strategies are being employed, with utmost priority placed on the victim’s safety. Further updates will be communicated as the situation unfolds,” Jimoh stated.

Recall that on Sunday, gunmen abducted 23 pupils and the wife of a school proprietor in the Zariagi area of Lokoja, Kogi State.

The incident, which occurred late Sunday, targeted a facility identified as Dahallukitab Group of Schools.

The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said security operatives responded swiftly, leading to the rescue of 15 of the abducted pupils.

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The Federal Government has projected that aviation fuel prices could range between N1,760 and N2,037 per litre, following high-level engagements aimed at addressing persistent supply and pricing challenges in the sector.

The projection emerged after a meeting convened by the Minister of Aviation and Airspace Management on April 22 and 23, 2026, involving key stakeholders across the aviation and petroleum value chain.

Participants at the meeting included officials of the Ministry of Aviation, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Federal Airports
Authority of Nigeria, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Nigerian Civil
Aviation Authority, airline operators and aviation fuel marketers.

The meeting resolved to constitute a technical committee to further examine the issues and propose practical solutions.

Subsequently, the NMDPRA convened the committee on April 24, 2026, where key recommendations were made to stabilise the market and ensure sustainable supply.

According to the committee, the indicative end-user price of aviation turbine kerosene (ATK) is expected to range between N1,760 and N1,988
per litre in Lagos, and between N1,809 and N2,037 per litre in Abuja. The
pricing benchmark was based on Platts average rates recorded between April 17
and 23, 2026.

The committee noted that prices may fluctuate outside the stated range due to market volatility, including geopolitical tensions and varying operational costs among suppliers.

To improve efficiency in distribution, the committee recommended that the NMDPRA should direct marketers to sell aviation fuel directly to airline operators within the specified period.

It also called for regulatory engagement to review pricing components, including premium adjustments and cost variations recently introduced by refineries, with a view to ensuring price stability.

In addition, the committee advised closer collaboration between the NMDPRA, FAAN and NCAA to streamline airside operations by validating distributors with adequate infrastructure and reducing the number of operators based on agreed criteria.

On the issue of mounting debts within the sector, the Ministry of Aviation was urged to facilitate a consultative meeting between oil marketers and airline operators to resolve outstanding obligations.

The committee further recommended that marketers consider introducing a 30-day credit window to ease financial pressure on airlines.

It also proposed the inclusion of aviation fuel under the Federal Government’s naira-for-crude initiative as part of broader efforts to stabilise supply and pricing in the sector.

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