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BREAKING: A personal assistant linked to a member of the family of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is alleged to have played a role in the kidnapping of Adelabu’s sister and her two children in Ibadan, according to the Oyo State Police Command.

Police spokesperson, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed that the suspect is believed to have collaborated with the kidnappers, as investigations into the case continue.

Married Woman Who ‘Faked Own Kidnap’ Found in Hotel with Lover

A married woman identified as the Edo State Police Command has arrested Oluchi has been arrested for allegedly faking her own kidnapping in the Ikpoba Hills area of the state.

According to police sources, Oluchi was found in a hotel with her lover, contradicting the abduction narrative her family had feared. Her relatives had earlier raised an alarm, reporting her missing and suspecting she had been kidnapped.

Eno Ikoedem, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the arrest, stating: “Following credible intelligence and investigation, we located Oluchi safe in a hotel with her lover. She has been arrested for wasting police resources and causing unnecessary panic through her false claim of kidnapping.”

The case is currently under investigation, and authorities have warned against similar acts that divert attention from genuine security challenges.

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BREAKING NEWS: Two coaches of the Warri-Itakpe train derail near Agbor, Delta

Two Coaches of Warri-Itakpe Train Derail Near Agbor, No Casualties Reported
Agbor, Delta State – A train derailment occurred on Saturday evening on the Warri-Itakpe rail line at Kilometre 212+8m near Agbor.

According to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), two out of seven coaches of the Warri-Itakpe Train Service derailed around 7:30 p.m. Preliminary investigations point to suspected track vandalism as the likely cause.

All passengers (over 500 on board) were safely evacuated to Agbor with no casualties or injuries recorded. Recovery operations are ongoing at the site, supported by security personnel.

As a precautionary measure, the NRC has temporarily suspended train services on the corridor for a comprehensive safety and security audit of the track.


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PhotoNews: Bayelsa PDP Flagbearer Akinaka Courts Elders’ Backing, Unveils Trust Fund for Senatorial District

Mr Richard Akinaka, a young entrepreneur and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer for Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, over the weekend, embarked on a strategic consultation with some stakeholders and elders in the district, emphasising service, education, and the restoration of trust in leadership.

Bayelsa PDP Flagbearer Akinaka Courts Elders’ Backing, Unveils Trust Fund for Senatorial District

Mr Richard Akinaka, a young entrepreneur and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer for Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, over the weekend, embarked on a strategic consultation with some stakeholders and elders in the district, emphasising service, education, and the restoration of trust in leadership.

Akinaka’s consultative visit took him to prominent elders in the district, such as Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, PANDEF President, Chief Abel Ebifebowei, aka Osuwo, amongst others. He emphasised the lack of effective representation and the urgent need for purposeful leadership.

He described the current situation in Bayelsa Central as one where the people’s voices have not been heard, and tangible impacts from representation remain absent.

Akinaka, who rose from humble village beginnings through community support, positioned himself as an embodiment of his people’s aspirations. He recounted personal interventions in education, health, and community welfare, including paying teachers’ salaries in his village for years and providing scholarships.

Akinaka also stressed the core responsibility of lawmaking, noting that his legislative contributions would be driven by intimate knowledge of the challenges facing his people in the District, the oil-bearing Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large.

“My legislative contributions will stem from my knowledge of the needs of my constituency, the underserved people of the Niger Delta and Nigerians at large. I am conscious of introducing bills that will, among other things, strengthen institutions in the Niger Delta region and address the very troubling situations bedeviling our people,” he said.

According to him, central to his vision is the establishment of a trust structured as a limited liability company to manage constituency projects.

“The trust would be in the form of a limited liability company that will have elders like you sitting on the board… Richard Akinaka will not bring a company anywhere to do such jobs. That trust that we have our people representing us will do the jobs and will ensure that the jobs are done,” he explained. “Whatever profit that comes out of those things will form a common purse and will highlight areas of immediate need and concern… especially education.”

He outlined practical economic empowerment initiatives, including support for fishing communities through modern tools, boat building, fish drying and packaging facilities, and collaboration with federal agencies like the Ministry of Agriculture and NDDC to create jobs and reduce youth restiveness.

Akinaka emphasised his track record of selfless service, noting he has committed a significant portion of his income to community development without publicising it.

“Anywhere I find myself, I just want to add value… there is a percentage of my income that I’ve assigned to all these things,” he said.

Receiving Akinaka and his team at his residence in the Opolo area of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), threw his weight behind Akinaka, describing him as a focused, results-driven young leader with a proven commitment to human development and community impact.

In a heartfelt endorsement, Ambassador Igali praised Akinaka’s boldness and track record as an astute businessman operating successfully in the marine, oil and gas sector. He noted that Akinaka has consistently demonstrated leadership through his business ventures that employ technical personnel while championing education, vocational training, and skills development for youths and young women in the region.

“From what I’ve known you, you have been focused on human development, focused on results, focused on impact on community. Nobody can take that from you,” Igali said.

The PANDEF Chairman expressed strong confidence in Akinaka’s capacity to represent his people effectively in the Senate, urging him to speak up boldly for the Niger Delta region, which he described as contributing immensely to the nation’s wealth yet plagued by underdevelopment and poverty. He advised the aspirant to play by the rules, focus on his programs — particularly education and technical empowerment — and avoid character assassination.

Ambassador Igali drew parallels with past young senators like David Brigidi, who made significant impacts at a similar age, and assured Akinaka of his belief in him as a person.

The Ijaw leader offered prayers for a successful outcome for Akinaka and his team, wishing him well irrespective of party affiliation and pledging support when the time comes.

Earlier, Akinaka dedicated an operational and strategic office located along Isaac Boro Expressway, Yenagoa, to God, which will collaborate with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the electioneering campaign when it kicks off.

He concluded by soliciting the blessings and support of elders to enable him to scale up his efforts through institutional platforms for the benefit of the senatorial district.

PhotoNews: Fire Guts Female Hostel at Bayelsa Medical University

Fire Guts Female Hostel at Bayelsa Medical University

A fire gutted one of the rooms in the female hostel of Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), Yenagoa, on Wednesday night, destroying students’ valuables and raising fresh concerns over persistent electrical faults in the building.

The incident has sparked fear and anxiety among students and parents of the institution.

Although no lives were lost, students said the fire, which started from an electrical spark, could have turned tragic if occupants had not escaped in time.

Narrating the how the fire occurred some students recounted the panic as thick smoke and flames spread rapidly.

A 400-level Nursing student said the fire occurred shortly after she went to bed around 9pm.

“I slept around after 9pm. Less than 20 minutes later, I started hearing people shouting. At first, I thought it was just another one of those regular electrical sparks we’ve become used to in the hostel,” she said.

“After the previous fire incident, there have been series of sparks. People would shout but we often felt we were overreacting. So I initially stayed calm. But then my roommate kept screaming ‘fire!’ That was when I jumped up and ran out in shock. This time, the room was seriously burning.”

She added that efforts to extinguish the fire were hampered by non-functional equipment and poor water supply.

“I ran downstairs and saw a girl with the fire extinguisher, but nothing came out — it was empty. She tried the tap, but water was only dripping. The hostel gate was also locked, which made escape and rescue more difficult. We’ve been begging the school authorities to keep the gate open, at least during the day, but they always cite security reasons.”

Another 400-level Nursing student said the affected room was almost completely destroyed before help arrived. She accused the school management of attempting to blame students rather than fixing the faulty electrical system.

“By the time we came out, the room had burnt to ashes. The fire extinguisher didn’t work. The boys had to break the back gate to gain access and help put out the fire. Before the fire service arrived, we had already quenched most of it, but all the students’ belongings — documents, laptops, clothes — were destroyed. Yet the school is trying to blame the students instead of admitting it’s their bad electrical connections causing these fires,” she alleged.

A 300-level Optometry student who returned to the hostel during the incident described the chaos she met.

“I went out to buy toiletries and provisions. On my way back, I saw security personnel running around. People were rushing downstairs with buckets. When I looked to my right, I saw a room engulfed in thick flames. The bunk beds were burning. I just froze,” she said.

A 400-level Medical Laboratory Science student noted that repeated fire incidents have made students less responsive to alarms.

“Fire is no longer new to any BMU student. Last week fire, this week fire. We thought it was minor again, but it quickly intensified. I had to rush upstairs to rescue my important documents, WAEC certificate, laptop and other valuables despite the heavy smoke. I don’t have asthma, but I nearly had an attack. The smoke was overwhelming. I had a panic attack and started crying,” she narrated.

Bayelsa APC Federal Reps candidate, Jonathan Obuebite, felicitates with Gov. Diri on Birthday celebration

Candidate of the All Progressive Party ( APC) for the Nembe/Brass Federal Constituency for the 2027 election in Bayelsa State, Hon. Jonathan R. Obuebite, has felicitated with the State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri, on his birthday, describing him as a beacon of hope and inspiration to the people of the State.

According to Obuebite, despite the fact that his emergence as Governor came with great expectations, from the very first day in office, he has demonstrated that he i s fully prepared for the enormous responsibility of leadership.

Hon. Jonathan R. Obuebite, PhD, in a congratulatory message on Thursday to Governor Douye Diri on his birthday celebration, said over the years and
through deliberate planning, strategic governance and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people, Gov. Diri have steadily transformed Bayelsa State and justified the confidence reposed in you by the citizens.

He said, "Under your Prosperity Administration, Bayelsa has witnessed unprecedented progress in critical sectors of development."

" From the construction of strategic road networks that have connected previously inaccessible communities to electricity, to significant investments in education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and infrastructure, your administration has continued to lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity."

"Beyond physical development, your government has consistently prioritised human capital development and the creation of opportunities for our young people. Your commitment to empowering the next generation, supporting entrepreneurs and investing in the future of Bayelsa remains one of the defining hallmarks of your administration."

"I particularly commend your unwavering dedication to peace, unity, and purposeful leadership. Through your calm disposition, inclusive style of governance and statesmanlike approach to public affairs, you have fostered a peaceful atmosphere across our communities and local government areas, creating an environment where development can thrive, and citizens can pursue their aspirations without fear."

"Indeed, it is to your credit that the political climate in Bayelsa has become remarkably cordial and accommodating. Today, political leaders and stakeholders across party lines interact and coexist with mutual respect, placing the collective interest of our dear state above partisan sentiments."

"This enduring culture of tolerance and political harmony remains one of your most commendable legacies. As one who has had the privilege of serving and contributing within the framework of the Prosperity Administration, I remain proud of your visionary leadership, foresight, dedication and unwavering commitment to the advancement of Bayelsa State."

" Your results-driven approach continues to reassure us that our state is firmly on the path of greatness under your stewardship"

"On this special occasion of your birthday, I pray that Almighty God grants you greater wisdom, divine guidance, sound health, renewed strength and many more years of impactful service to Bayelsa State and humanity. Happy Birthday, my dear elder brother, leader, mentor and boss."

ADC Primaries: Atiku Visits Amaechi in Abuja Amid Post-Primary Tensions

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential flagbearer, Atiku Abubakar, on Thursday visited former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, at his residence in Abuja.

The visit comes in the wake of Amaechi’s rejection of the outcome of the ADC presidential primaries, which he described as “concocted” and lacking credibility.

Atiku was accompanied by prominent party leaders, including former Sokoto State Governor Senator Aminu Tambuwal, ADC National Chairman Chief Ralph Nwosu, and other senior party chieftains.

Sources familiar with the meeting said the engagement was part of ongoing consultations aimed at fostering unity within the party and addressing concerns arising from the conduct of the primaries.

In a statement issued after the exercise, Amaechi said he would not accept the outcome of a process he claimed was neither free, fair, nor transparent.

“I unequivocally reject the concocted results being announced,” Amaechi stated, alleging that a significant number of party members were denied the opportunity to vote during the primaries.

The former governor further argued that a party seeking to offer Nigerians an alternative political platform must uphold the democratic principles it advocates, warning against practices such as voter disenfranchisement, vote-buying, and result manipulation.

“A party that criticises the ruling APC and INEC for vote-buying, rigging, and writing of results cannot itself engage in similar electoral malpractices,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, details of the closed-door meeting had not been made public. However, party stakeholders are expected to continue consultations in the coming days as efforts intensify to preserve unity within the ADC.