Category: Local

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has increased the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to ₦945 per litre in Abuja and ₦915 per litre in Lagos, reflecting a new wave of cost hikes across the country’s deregulated fuel market. The upward revision follows Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s decision to raise its ex-depot price from ₦825 to ₦880 per litre, sparking a ripple effect. NNPC retail stations in Kubwa and Obasanjo Way in Abuja, as well as Igando and Badagry in Lagos, reflected the updated pricing on Monday, further compounding pressure on consumers amid steep living costs. Private fuel stations have also raised their prices in response. MRS now sells at ₦925 per litre, while TotalEnergies has adjusted to ₦910, and smaller independent marketers like Oluwafemi Arowolo Petroleum in Iba have gone as high as ₦920. Depot sources confirmed that major supply hubs, including Wosbab and NIPCO, are now selling PMS at up to ₦925 per litre, citing rising international crude prices and operational costs. Experts warn the price could cross ₦1,000 per litre if global crude exceeds $80 per barrel, amid heightened geopolitical tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. “Unless Dangote keeps prices stable, depot owners will hike rates,” said Olatide Jeremiah of PetroleumPrice.ng. With inflationary pressures mounting, Nigerians now brace for deeper economic strain.

Former Delta North Senator, Peter Nwaoboshi, popularly known as “Oracle,” joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2021 amid fears that then-Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was plotting a return to the Senate in 2023. Nwaoboshi, once a key ally of Okowa during the 2014 PDP primaries, sensed political danger if he remained in the PDP. Despite their past collaboration, the two politicians had a history of being in opposing camps. In 2011, as PDP chairman in Delta State, Nwaoboshi supported Mariam Alli over Okowa for the Delta North Senate seat. Okowa would eventually win that race and serve from 2011 to 2015 before becoming governor. After Nwaoboshi decamped to the APC, the PDP suspended him, citing repeated public attacks on Okowa. Ironically, Okowa did not contest the Senate seat in 2023, having been picked as the PDP vice-presidential candidate alongside Atiku Abubakar. Okowa’s absence from the Senate race opened the door for Ned Nwoko, who received the governor’s blessing to vie for the Delta North senatorial seat on the PDP platform—an opportunity that reshaped Delta North politics. Read Also: Legal Troubles Derail Nwaoboshi’s 2023 Senate Ambition Senator Nwaoboshi was considered a formidable candidate for a third Senate term until legal troubles stemming from a loan transaction upended his plans. In 2022, the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal convicted him on charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The case, centered on a business loan and the alleged fraudulent purchase of a Delta State property, led to a seven-year prison sentence. This conviction effectively removed Nwaoboshi from the 2023 election scene. While he maintained his innocence, the timing proved politically fatal. It wasn’t until after the election that the Supreme Court overturned the conviction, ruling that the EFCC had no jurisdiction in the civil matter and that Nwaoboshi had been wrongfully prosecuted. The court described his conviction as a violation of his constitutional rights. By then, however, Ned Nwoko had already secured the Senate seat, while Nwaoboshi was serving time. His arrest and subsequent incarceration ensured he could not contest or campaign effectively, leaving his political rivals with an open field.

By Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFRPresident & Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria I am deeply saddened and outraged by the series of tragic events that have shaken our nation in recent days. From the cowardly suicide bombing in Konduga, Borno State, to the horrifying lynching of innocent travellers in Plateau State, and the deadly explosion in Kano, these attacks on innocent Nigerians are heinous, senseless, and must not stand. In Borno, the suicide attack that claimed the lives of peaceful citizens was a cruel and desperate attempt to spread fear and chaos. I have directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately provide support to survivors and affected families. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Borno State. I also urge our security forces to intensify their operations to eliminate the remaining elements of Boko Haram and ensure they can no longer harm our people or destabilise our communities. In Plateau State, the brutal murder of 12 wedding guests—peaceful Nigerians returning from a joyous celebration—is an unforgivable act of barbarism. I have ordered the Nigerian Police Force to work with relevant intelligence and security agencies to ensure those responsible are swiftly identified, apprehended, and brought to justice. I further call on the Plateau State Government to work with federal authorities to break this cycle of senseless violence and use this incident as a watershed moment to establish lasting peace. Let me be clear: freedom of movement is a constitutional right, and no Nigerian should ever be afraid to travel, celebrate, or live freely anywhere within our nation. We will not tolerate any attempt to intimidate or terrorize Nigerians into submission. In Kano, I mourn the tragic loss of lives caused by the explosion at a scrap metal facility. I offer my condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Kano State. This unfortunate incident underscores the urgent need for greater adherence to industrial safety standards. I have directed the appropriate federal agencies to investigate the cause of the explosion thoroughly and take steps to ensure such tragedies do not occur again. To the families of the departed, to the wounded, and to the communities in Borno, Plateau, Kano, and Kaduna States, I stand with you in grief and resolve. These tragedies will not break our spirit. They will strengthen our unity, deepen our commitment to justice, and renew our dedication to peace. We will not rest until justice is done. We will not be deterred until security is restored in every part of our country. May the souls of all the departed rest in perfect peace.May God continue to protect the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Published June 22, 2025 | By Kamal Yalwa Justice E.G. Umokoro of the Bayelsa State High Court was abducted by unidentified gunmen on Saturday evening in Yenagoa, the state capital. The incident reportedly occurred around 7:00 pm in front of a popular eatery in the Ekeki area, located along the Chief Melford Okilo Expressway. Witnesses say the attackers seized the judge and sped off in a vehicle before security operatives could respond. The motive behind the abduction remains unknown at the time of this report. The incident has intensified public anxiety amid a recent surge in cult-related violence across Bayelsa, which has claimed several lives and stoked fears of deteriorating security in the state. As of press time, the Bayelsa State Police Command has yet to release an official statement regarding the judge’s abduction. More details to follow.

By Kamal Yalwa, June 21, 2025 A media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied reports that the politician and his group have adopted the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as their new coalition platform, amid mounting speculation about Atiku’s exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Demola Olarenwaju, Atiku’s Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy, clarified on Friday that while the group—Nigeria National Coalition Group (NNCG)—has applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register ADA as a political party ahead of 2027, it has not yet been adopted as the coalition’s official platform. “A group is in the process of pursuing party registration, just like any other Nigerian, but they need to coordinate this with the coalition,” Olarenwaju posted on X. “ADA has not been adopted by the coalition, and when the time is right, the public will be informed.” Looming Exodus Sparks Confusion Within PDP The development has heightened anxiety within the PDP, especially as prominent figures like former Senate President David Mark and former House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal are reportedly aligned with Atiku’s camp and are expected to follow suit if he leaves the party. David Mark is said to have presided over the NNCG meeting where the decision to register ADA was reached. There are growing fears that the defection of Atiku and other top PDP stalwarts could severely weaken the party, which has already lost two sitting governors—Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom—to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the past month. While the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, declined to comment, insiders revealed that internal divisions—especially over the role of National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu—have delayed the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and threatened preparations for a planned national convention in August. Saraki Committee Tipped to Reconcile Warring Factions With the party teetering under growing pressure, some members are reportedly leaning toward allowing the Senator Bukola Saraki-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee to mediate between the pro-Wike faction and Atiku loyalists. Sources say the recent Supreme Court ruling affirming Anyanwu’s authority has bolstered FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s position within the party, leaving his rivals with fewer options. Atiku Loyalists Defend Coalition Move Reacting to the developments, Prof. Tunde Olusunle, a long-time Atiku associate, defended the former VP, blaming internal saboteurs for the PDP’s disintegration. “The defections of two governors haven’t rattled the PDP as much as Atiku’s possible move. It just shows the quantum of goodwill he still commands,” he said. Olusunle argued that the coalition being built by Atiku and others represents a genuine push for democratic reform. He added that with growing support from northern political heavyweights and a possible alliance with Peter Obi, the new platform could dominate both the North and South East in 2027. “Atiku won’t compel anyone to leave PDP. He’s a democrat. But if Obi joins this coalition, it will definitely secure the South East,” he said. For now, the PDP leadership remains silent amid rising uncertainty, as political realignments ahead of 2027 begin to reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape.

Published June 21, 2025 – By Kamal Yalwa The Kano State Police Command has confirmed that five individuals lost their lives in a deadly explosion that occurred on Saturday at a scrap collection facility along the Eastern Bypass in Kano. According to the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, the blast was caused by a military-grade explosive device hidden inside a vehicle transporting scrap materials from Yobe State to Kano. The vehicle reportedly detonated at the facility, resulting in a tragic loss of life and multiple injuries. “We received an emergency alert and quickly mobilised a response team to the area,” CP Bakori told reporters. “Upon arrival, we discovered that it was a military model bomb that exploded. Fifteen people were injured and rushed to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.” Out of the 15, five were confirmed dead at the hospital, while 10 others are currently receiving medical treatment. Preliminary investigations suggest that the vehicle carrying the explosive originated from Yobe State. CP Bakori added that while the investigation is still ongoing, the truck carrying the explosive was used for scrap collection. Security agencies, including the military’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, have cordoned off the area for further investigation. Authorities are yet to confirm how the military-grade explosive ended up among the scrap materials. The incident has raised concerns over the transportation of hazardous materials and highlights growing security challenges in the region. Read more: News360NG – Full Report

Published June 21, 2025 | By Kamal Yalwa In another tragic development in Benue State, unknown gunmen have killed Aondoakaa Yaiyol, the Commander of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Services in Tarka Local Government Area. The fatal attack occurred on Friday night and has left the local community in deep mourning. Yaiyol, a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Tarka, was reportedly shot at close range by gunmen who arrived on a motorcycle and fled immediately after the attack. Witnesses say the assailants were backed by two vehicles, which provided cover as they escaped while firing sporadically to scare off residents. This is the second major tragedy to strike the Yaiyol family. Last year, his wife was murdered in a similarly brutal manner, and their home was set ablaze in the aftermath. The PDP’s State Publicity Secretary, Tim Nyior, confirmed the incident and expressed shock over the loss of the former party chairman. Chief Joseph Har, Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security and Internal Affairs, described the killing as a “clear assassination.” He noted that a known criminal, previously imprisoned for the attack on Yaiyol’s wife and property, had recently been released. According to sources, the suspect had an ongoing conflict with Yaiyol prior to this latest attack. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, also confirmed the incident. He stated that a tactical police team was deployed to pursue the attackers. Although they escaped, Edet assured the public that efforts are underway to track and apprehend those responsible. Benue State has witnessed a series of violent incidents in recent months, heightening concerns about security in the region.