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PHOTOS: Kayode Are assumes office as ambassador to US, presents letter of credence to Trump

2026-05-24T18:54:19.541+01:00

Kayode Are, former director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS), has formally begun his diplomatic assignment as Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States.

Are officially took up the role on Thursday after presenting his letter of credence to the US government and President Donald Trump at the White House.

His appointment is part of the ambassadorial nominations forwarded to the senate by President Bola Tinubu in November 2025.

The president had submitted a list of 32 nominees for confirmation, followed shortly by another request seeking approval for three non-career ambassadors.

Are, an indigene of Ogun state, was among the non-career nominees alongside Aminu Dalhatu from Jigawa and Ayodele Oke from Oyo State.

The senate later confirmed a total of 64 ambassadorial nominees in December 2025, made up of 34 career diplomats and 30 non-career appointees.

Tinubu subsequently approved Are’s deployment to Washington in January, designating him as Nigeria’s envoy to the United States.

FG Suspends Services to Air Peace, Ibom Air, Others Over Outstanding Debts

2026-05-24T18:54:08.983+01:00

The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has ordered its directorates to suspend services to 11 domestic airlines.

The NCAA also placed them on its updated “No-Pay-No-Service” list over unpaid statutory charges owed to the regulator.

An internal memo by the agency’s Director of Finance and Accounts, Olufemi Odukoya, ordered all departments to withhold regulatory and administrative services from the affected operators until they clear their outstanding debts or agree on repayment plans.

According to the agency, at the centre of the dispute are the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge and Cargo Sales Charge, funds collected by airlines on behalf of the NCAA to support safety oversight, personnel training and economic regulation within the aviation sector.

The memo also directed all directorates to suspend services to the affected airlines pending financial clearance from the Directorate of Finance and Accounts.

The memo was circulated across the authority’s regional offices and copied to the Director-General of Civil Aviation and other senior officials.

According to the memo, airlines affected by the directive include “Air Peace Limited, Ibom Air Limited, Arik Air Limited, United Nigeria Airlines, Umza Air, NG Eagle, Max Air Limited, Caverton Helicopters, Overland Airways, Rano Air and ValueJet.”

“We have directed that no directorate should render any service to the above airline without financial clearance from the director of finance and accounts,” NCAA said.

Why FCT should have three senators, six Reps – Aisha Yesufu

2026-05-24T18:53:55.479+01:00

Human rights activist, Aisha Yesufu, has stated why the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, should have three senators like every other state in Nigeria.

Speaking at a grassroots mobilization event, Yesufu said in terms of population, the FCT is more populated than 10 states and in terms of land mass, it is bigger than eight states.

According to her, there is no reason FCT cannot have three senators and at least six House of Representatives members.

“The FCT has gone passed the stage where we have to struggle for one Senator. FCT should have three senators. It will be for the betterment of Abuja as a whole.

“With this, the good people of Abuja will have more representatives and their voice will be heard. Instead of one person, you will have three persons speaking at the red chamber of the National Assembly for the FCT people.

“This is one of the things I will push for as a Senator. It’s not going to be easy but it’s doable,” she said.

Recall that Yesufu is running for the FCT senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

‘I’ll slap you’ – How ADC stakeholders’ meeting turned violent in Abuja (VIDEO)

2026-05-24T18:53:43.276+01:00

A video clip that captured moments a stakeholders’ meeting of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, turned violent in Abuja has emerged online.

It was learnt that trouble began when stakeholders of the party, including the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Senator, Ireti Kingibe met ahead of the distribution of materials for the senatorial primary held on Saturday.

It was gathered that the Chairman of the election committee, Mr. Abubakar Adams Chika, and the secretary, Mr. David Godwin had summoned the stakeholders to the Secretariat of the FCT chapter of the party to explain the process for the exercise.

The peaceful meeting was reportedly disrupted when one Tijani Mubarak and four others allegedly invaded the venue with sticks.

Tijani immediately confronted the committee chairman for declining to honour an invite for a private discussion, leading to a heated exchange as captured in the video.

Tijani was allegedly against the election of Ireti as the party’s candidate for the FCT senatorial election.

Ireti has, however, been declared the winner of the primary election.

Tinubu wins APC presidential candidate with 10.99m votes

2026-05-24T17:33:58.463+01:00

President Bola Tinubu has clinched the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket for the 2027 elections.

Anyim Pius Anyim, chairman of the APC election committee, pronounced Tinubu the winner of the presidential primary on Sunday at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja.

The presidential primary was held in 8,809 wards and 774 LGAs across the country.

Anyim said Tinubu secured 10,999,162 votes to defeat Stanley Osifo, his lone challenger, who got 16,503 votes.

He said 12,643,306 members were registered for the exercise, while 11,069,756 voters were accredited and 11,015,665 votes were cast.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is therefore my duty as the returning officer for this primary election to declare President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, having satisfied the requirements of the APC constitution and guidelines and scored the highest number of votes, winner of the presidential primary election and the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the 2027 general election,” he said.

Hope Uzodinma, Imo state governor, said the outcome of the presidential primary shows that the APC is prepared to contest and win the 2027 election.

“APC is growing day by day, more robustly, stronger, more popular, ready to go into any contest at any time,” he said.

Uzodinma added that the ruling party is a credible platform with a verifiable membership register.

Alleged defamation: El-Rufai’s wife files N2bn suit against ICPC

2026-05-24T17:21:33.107+01:00

Aichatou El-Rufai, the wife of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has issued a pre-action notice to the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, over the continued detention of her husband.

In the notice, she is asking for N2 billion in damages over claims that the commission made false and harmful statements about her.

The request was included in a letter submitted by her lawyers after an ICPC press statement called “Clarification on the Access Control Protocol at ICPC Headquarters, Abuja” was published on May 18, 2026.

As per the notice, Mrs El-Rufai’s lawyers said that many parts of the statement, which was presented by ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey, were not accurate.

She claimed that Odey made false statements that seriously damaged her reputation.

The legal team clearly disagreed with the commission’s way of describing Mrs El-Rufai as “a woman who identified herself as the wife of a defendant.”

They argued that this wording questioned her position as the legal wife of the former governor.

They also argued that the commission’s statement calling her earlier claims “false and misleading” made her look dishonest and misleading, which harmed her reputation with the public.

The lawyers also disputed the claims that she broke visitation rules at the commission’s headquarters, saying that these accusations made her look like someone who ignores the proper procedures set by the organisation.

Also, the notice pointed out parts of the statement that, as per the legal team, implied that Mrs El-Rufai had been inconsistent about her claims that her husband was not given food while he was in custody.

The lawyers stated that the comments damaged her trustworthiness and honesty.

2027: Ireti Kingibe emerges ADC FCT Senate candidate

2026-05-24T17:20:11.049+01:00

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has announced Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe as the party’s flag bearer for the Federal Capital Territory senatorial election ahead of the 2027 general polls.

Kingibe secured a landslide victory in the party’s primary election, polling 17,535 votes to defeat her sole challenger, Mubarak Tijjani, who garnered 806 votes.

Declaring the results at the ADC secretariat in Abuja, the chairman and returning officer for the senatorial and House of Representatives primaries, Abubakar Adamu, confirmed Kingibe as the winner of the exercise.

“Having scored the highest number of votes of 17,535, and by the powers conferred on me as the returning officer for the Senate and House of Representatives primary elections, Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe is hereby declared winner of the election,” he said.

The primary election also produced candidates for the two House of Representatives seats in the FCT.

In the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency, Bala Iyah emerged victorious with 4,937 votes, defeating Yahaya Fatima Goya, who polled 2,015 votes, while Ma’aji Johnson Bello secured 1,546 votes. Ismaila Ishak Ozigi received 105 votes.

For the Abaji/Gwagwalada/Kwali/Kuje Federal Constituency, Alhassan Salihu clinched the party’s ticket with 9,016 votes, defeating Khalid A. Haruna, who polled 2,955 votes.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission monitored the conduct of the primaries.

Speaking after his victory, Bala Iyah expressed confidence in the ADC’s chances in the 2027 elections, describing himself as a grassroots politician with deep knowledge of the constituency and strong support from the people.

VeryDarkMan Rejects Claims Linking Him to Religious Unrest Plot

2026-05-24T17:16:46.579+01:00

Social media commentator, Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, has publicly distanced himself from allegations circulating in a viral video claiming he sponsored a religious narrative aimed at inciting tension between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria.

In the video, a young man was seen being questioned and assaulted after reportedly entering a mosque to pray.

Reacting to the allegations, VDM said: “In this video, it is said that the young man sitting on the ground walked into a mosque to pray and due to his movement in the mosque they suspected him for something because he didn’t fit in and so they took him outside the mosque for questioning and because he wasn’t speaking they decided to beat him up.

“While they were beating him, he confessed that he is a Christian that is being sponsored by Deeper Life Bible Church, the Christian Association of Nigeria and lastly myself, (Verydarkman).

“He said that he and others are heavily sponsored by Verydarkman to create unrest and push narrative and agenda that Christians are being kpai by Muslims.

“I will like to clarify that these allegations are NOT true. I have never met the young man in my life, I have never sponsored a religious propaganda or narrative in my life.

“I will never do anything that will cause mayhem or anything that will lead to loss of lives.

“Lastly, I am giving one million Naira to anyone that can give me a useful information about the man in the video.”

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PDP Benue guber candidate Aondoakaa picks 38-year-old doctor as running mate

2026-05-24T17:12:15.545+01:00

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Benue State for the 2027 election, Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, has unveiled 38-year-old Dr Oyije Ochaekiti Ogbenjuwa as his running mate.

Aondoakaa announced the choice during the party’s congress held in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

Speaking at the event, the PDP flagbearer outlined key priorities of his administration if elected in 2027, stressing that his government would focus on ending attacks and killings in communities while guaranteeing the safety of lives and property across the state in a lasting way.

He further promised to revive agriculture and accelerate rural development, in line with Benue’s status as the “Food Basket of the Nation.”

The senior lawyer also listed youth and women empowerment through job creation and enterprise support among the core areas his administration would pursue.

According to Aondoakaa, his government would also prioritise improved infrastructure, quality healthcare, and better education, while creating an enabling environment for industrial growth and economic expansion.

He added that his administration would be anchored on justice, transparency, and accountability in governance.

The PDP candidate also pledged to foster unity and reconciliation among the people, irrespective of political, ethnic, or sectional differences.

Ex-AGF, Malami, emerges ADC 2027 governorship candidate in Kebbi

2026-05-24T15:57:17.939+01:00

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Kebbi State for the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was announced on Sunday in a statement issued by Mohammed Bello Doka, Special Assistant on Media to Malami.

According to the statement, Malami’s emergence followed consultations with party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters across the state ahead of the 2027 elections.

Malami, in the statement, expressed appreciation to party leaders and supporters for the confidence reposed in him ahead of the election.

“I sincerely appreciate the confidence and support shown by leaders, stakeholders, and supporters of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Kebbi State ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

The statement also announced other candidates endorsed by the party for various positions, including retired Major General Aminu Bande for the Kebbi Central Senatorial District, retired Deputy Comptroller General Ibrahim Muhammad Mera for the Kebbi North Senatorial District, and Garba Danjuma Limi for the Kebbi South Senatorial District.

Doka said the ADC remained committed to promoting good governance, justice, security, and sustainable development in Kebbi State and across the country.

Malami, who served as Attorney-General of the Federation under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is expected to face incumbent Governor Nasir Idris of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 governorship election.

Nigeria needs a president who can govern, not just trend online - Atiku to ADC

2026-05-24T15:55:04.459+01:00

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Sunday threw down a gauntlet before delegates of the African Democratic Congress ADC, urging the party to prioritize competence and national reach over sentiments and social media popularity as it prepares to pick a presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.

Atiku dismissed social media enthusiasm as insufficient test for presidency, insisting they the party must field its strongest candidate to defeat President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that with Nigeria mired in economic hardship, mounting debts, insecurity and institutional decay, the ADC cannot afford the luxury of fielding an untested candidate.

“This is not a season for political experimentation. Nigeria cannot afford a learning-on-the-job presidency,” he declared.

Without naming any rival, the former vice president took a pointed swipe at the wave of enthusiasm surrounding certain contenders, insisting that presidential contests are decided by structures, strategy, and governance capacity — not digital noise.

“Elections are not won on social media enthusiasm alone. Governance is not performance art. The presidency is not a platform for improvisation. The ADC must present to Nigerians its strongest, most credible, most prepared candidate — not merely its loudest,” he said.

Atiku described the choice before ADC delegates as one that transcends ordinary political calculation, describing it as a historic responsibility given the scale of Nigeria’s current crisis.

He said; “At a time when Nigeria is bleeding from every pore — crippled by economic hardship, insecurity, rising debt, institutional failure, and deepening hopelessness — the question before the ADC is simple: who has the capacity not merely to campaign, but to govern effectively from day one?”

Atiku argued that the moment calls for a leader who has “negotiated globally, created jobs through enterprise, managed national crises, built coalitions, and consistently articulated a practical roadmap for economic recovery and national renewal.”

Pointing to his own records, he cited the economic reforms of the Obasanjo-Atiku administration as evidence of his readiness, including the privatisation drive that liberalised key sectors, the fiscal discipline that contributed to Nigeria securing debt relief, and the broader governance overhaul of that era.

“The economic reforms that helped reposition Nigeria, the privatization drive that opened sectors, the fiscal discipline that contributed to debt relief, and the governance reforms of that era were not accidents. They were products of leadership, competence, and courage,” he said.

Posing what he called a “simple but profound question” to delegates, Atiku drew a sharp distinction between symbolism and electoral viability.

“ADC delegates must ask themselves: do we want to make a statement, or do we want to make a president?”

He stressed that defeating an entrenched incumbent in 2027 would demand far more than emotional momentum, insisting the party must think strategically about which candidate can build a winning coalition across Nigeria’s diverse regions, faiths, and demographics.

“The ADC must think beyond sentiment. It must think about victory. It must think about governance. It must think about Nigeria. This is a defining election. The party needs a candidate with national acceptability, political resilience, tested structures, and the capacity to unify disparate interests into one winning coalition,” he said.

Atiku urged delegates to rise above narrow ambitions and honour what he said is a date with national destiny.

“History will remember this moment. The choice before ADC delegates is not merely about ambition. It is about destiny. Nigeria deserves rescue, not rhetoric”, he declared

Three killed as gunmen abduct 15 worshippers in Kwara

2026-05-24T15:54:59.753+01:00

Three people were killed and 15 others abducted on Saturday after gunmen attacked the Ori-Oke Ajaiye prayer ground in Ikiran, Ekiti LGA of Kwara state.

A statement on Sunday by Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, spokesperson of the Kwara police command, said the gunmen stormed the prayer ground around 8pm while worshippers were holding a vigil.

The police said the assailants opened fire sporadically, killing three people before whisking away 15 worshippers to an unknown destination.

“The Kwara State Police Command strongly condemns the gruesome attack, killing, and abduction of innocent worshippers by armed criminals at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State,” the statement reads.

“The incident was reported on 24th May, 2026, by one Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, Ekiti LGA, Kwara State, who stated that while conducting a night vigil alongside members of his congregation at Ori-Oke Ijaye via Ekerin village on 23rd May, 2026, at about 2030hrs, armed hoodlums invaded the prayer ground, firing sporadically, killing three persons while abducting fifteen others to an unknown destination.”

Ejire-Adeyemi said upon receiving the distress report, the divisional police officer of the Ekiti division immediately mobilised operatives to the scene.

She said Ojo Adekimi, commissioner of police, has deployed a comprehensive tactical and intelligence-driven operation involving the police drone team, PMF personnel, intelligence units, and other operational assets for a coordinated rescue mission.

According to her, the commissioner described the attack as barbaric, callous, and unacceptable, assuring prompt rescue of all victims and the apprehension of the perpetrators behind the “heinous act”.

The police assured residents of Ekiti LGA and the entire state that vigorous efforts, including bush combing, intelligence gathering, and coordinated security operations, are ongoing to track down the assailants and bring them to justice.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing operations,” the statement added.

“Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses.”

The incident comes amid rising security concerns in the south-west following recent attacks in parts of Oyo state.

On May 16, gunmen riding motorcycles invaded communities within the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Oriire, Ogbomoso, abducting students and staff members of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele; L.A. Primary School, Esiele; and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.

The attackers killed an assistant headmaster identified as Joel Adesiyan and a commercial motorcyclist, sparking outrage across the country.

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, said seven teachers were among the abducted victims and that one of them was later killed in captivity.

Shettima leads Nigerian delegation to Wadagni’s inauguration in Benin Republic

2026-05-24T15:54:46.576+01:00

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Cotonou, the commercial capital of Benin Republic, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of President-elect Romuald Wadagni.

Wadagni, who previously served as Benin Republic’s finance minister, secured a landslide victory in the country’s presidential election held on April 12, marking a significant political transition in the West African nation.

The inauguration ceremony is scheduled to hold on Sunday at the presidential palace in Cotonou.

In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, spokesperson to the vice-president, the Nigerian delegation joined other African leaders, diplomats and foreign dignitaries attending the event.

The statement said Shettima’s visit highlights the longstanding diplomatic and economic relationship between Nigeria and Benin Republic, particularly in the areas of trade, border cooperation and regional security.

Nigeria and Benin Republic are members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and maintain close ties on regional integration and security collaboration.

Meanwhile, Nigerian troops have been deployed to strategic locations across Cotonou ahead of the inauguration.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the soldiers were deployed as part of coordinated regional security arrangements to secure the inauguration venue and other vulnerable locations within the city.

The publication said surveillance and patrol operations had been intensified around major routes, government facilities, strategic installations and the Presidential Palace ahead of the ceremony.

The inauguration is expected to attract several heads of government and international delegations from across Africa and beyond.

Activities lined up for the event include official state ceremonies, the transfer of presidential insignia and a ceremonial procession linked to events in Porto-Novo, the administrative capital of Benin Republic.

Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after the inauguration activities.

Tinubu is Biafra South-East is looking for – Umahi

2026-05-24T15:51:16.692+01:00

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has declared that President Bola Tinubu is the Biafra the South-East has been looking for.

Umahi noted that Tinubu has integrated the entire South-East into the mainstream.

Speaking during the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential primary in Ebonyi State, the minister said the President gave the South-East what he described as juicy appointments.

He said: “Tinubu is the Biafra we have been looking for, a man who has integrated the entire South-East.

“A man who has given us juicy appointments and a man who has given us very important infrastructure. Bola Tinubu on your mandate we shall stand.”

2027: Kachikwu-led ADC faction set to hold National Convention in Abuja

2026-05-24T14:31:29.777+01:00

The Dumebi Kachikwu-led faction of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, is set to hold its national convention in Abuja on Sunday (today) as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Acting National Chairman of the ADC faction, Kingsley Temitope Ogah, disclosed this in a press invitation issued on Sunday.

Ogah explained that the convention would bring together party leaders, delegates, state executives, youth and women representatives, as well as political stakeholders from across the country.

“The convention is part of the party’s strategic preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections and is expected to bring together party leaders, delegates, state executives, youth and women representatives, and political stakeholders from across the federation.

“The gathering will deliberate on the future direction of the party, strengthen its internal democratic structures, and oversee the emergence of members of the National Working Committee, as well as other critical decisions concerning the party’s participation in the 2027 electoral process.

“The convention will also provide a platform for robust discussions on national development, political inclusion, grassroots mobilisation, and the need to build a stronger democratic alternative capable of addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges,” the statement added.

According to the statement, the event, which is scheduled to hold at A-Class Garden in Wuse 2 in Abuja, is expected to commence by 3:00 pm.

NDLEA arrests 63-year-old Chinese woman with 31kg synthetic cannabis

2026-05-24T14:00:20.267+01:00

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Ting Hung Kiong, a 63-year-old Chinese national, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 31 kilogrammes of Canadian Loud — a synthetic strain of cannabis — into Nigeria.

Kiong, who holds Malaysian citizenship, was intercepted on Sunday, May 17, upon arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, aboard an Emirates flight from Thailand via Dubai.

She had two large travel boxes containing the consignment.

The suspect, who claims to work as a caregiver in Malaysia, told investigators her daughter sponsored the trip from Malaysia to Thailand, where she spent two weeks before being handed the drugs at a Thailand airport for delivery in Nigeria.

In a related operation, NDLEA operatives recovered a massive shipment of 1,825,710 tablets of Tapentadol 250mg valued at N2.19 billion at the Lagos airport import shed.

The consignment, which arrived from India via Emirates Cargo, was handed over by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on May 22 after monitoring by the agency.

AIRPORT ARRESTS

At the Akanu Ibiam International airport in Enugu, NDLEA officers on May 20 arrested Onyeka Emeka, who excreted 185.36 grammes of cocaine after arriving from Sierra Leone via Addis Ababa on an Ethiopian Airlines flight.

In Abuja, Babatunde Afekhide, a 29-year-old building engineer, was arrested on May 21 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Milan, Italy, via Addis Ababa.

Operatives recovered 10,280 pills of Tramadol and Tapentadol concealed with foil paper inside his luggage.

OTHER SEIZURES

NDLEA operatives also intercepted drug parcels at a courier company in Lagos destined for Europe and the United States.

These included 1,174 pills of MDMA (Ecstasy) hidden in a bicycle luggage carrier heading to the Netherlands, 66 Tramadol pills concealed in soap going to the US, and 18 Tramadol tablets hidden in body cream bound for the UK.

In Edo state, officers raided Igwe community in Owan East LGA and recovered 489kg of skunk cannabis and 9kg of cannabis seeds.

In Ekiti state, a raid on a warehouse at Ikole-Ekiti on May 23 led to the seizure of 1,116kg of skunk and the arrest of 54-year-old Ogundana Adebayo Julius.

Other operations include the arrest of Isah Sani with 196,000 pills of Exol-5 along the Zaria-Kano road, and the recovery of 59kg of skunk from a warehouse in Badagry, Lagos state.

The agency continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns across schools and communities in Oyo, Anambra, Katsina, Lagos, Enugu, Ekiti, and Kano states during the week.

Buba Marwa, the NDLEA chairman, commended operatives from the Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Edo, Ekiti, Seme, and Kano commands for the successes, urging them to sustain the momentum in supply and drug demand reduction efforts.

Ceasefire deal with Iran largely agreed, Strait of Hormuz will reopen soon — Trump

2026-05-24T13:49:44.325+01:00

President Donald Trump says the United States has reached an advanced stage of negotiations with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Control of the strategic waterway has been contested since the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel broke out in February, with diplomatic efforts stalled for months.

Trump had earlier warned that the strait would remain “sealed up tight” until Iran agreed to a deal with the United States.

The blockade of the channel has disrupted global oil supply chains, sending crude prices soaring and forcing several countries to adopt strict energy conservation measures.

On April 27, Iran proposed a new agreement to Washington, offering to reopen the vital shipping waterway and end the war if the United States lifted its blockade on the passage.

The deal, passed to the Americans by Pakistan, also postpones nuclear negotiations for a later stage.

However, it was uncertain at the time if Trump would accept the offer, as curbing Iran’s uranium enrichment is one of the US leader’s war goals.

In a statement on Sunday, Trump said an agreement has now been “largely negotiated” between the United States, Iran and several Middle Eastern allies, with final details under discussion.

“I am in the Oval Office at the White House where we just had a very good call with leaders of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain concerning the Islamic Republic of Iran, and all things related to a Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social page.

“An Agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries.”

The US president added that he separately spoke with Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister, noting that the conversation “likewise, went very well”.

“Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,” Trump said.

“In addition to many other elements of the Agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened.”

NRC increases Lagos-Ibadan train trips ahead of Sallah

2026-05-24T13:49:40.928+01:00

The Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, has announced a temporary increase in train operations along the Lagos-Ibadan Train Service corridor ahead of the Sallah celebration.

The corporation disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Mr Callistus Unyimadu.

According to the NRC, the temporary adjustment was introduced to cater for the anticipated rise in passenger traffic as many Nigerians travel to celebrate the festive period with relatives and loved ones.

Under the arrangement, the corporation said six train trips would operate on Tuesday, May 26, instead of the regular four trips usually scheduled on the route.

The statement noted that departures from Lagos would take place at 7:45 a.m., 1:40 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., while trains departing from Ibadan would leave at 8:00 a.m., 10:50 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The NRC explained that the increase in train services was a temporary measure specifically designed for the Sallah travel period.

“After the celebration, the normal Tuesday timetable of four trips would resume,” the statement said.

The corporation also announced an adjustment to its recently introduced Thursday six-trip operations, stating that only four train trips would run on Thursday, May 28, during the period under review.

According to the NRC, the regular six-trip Thursday schedule would return the following week after the festive period.

‘I only wanted to get TikTok followers’ – Man arrested for raising fake bandits attack alarm begs police

2026-05-24T13:07:39.588+01:00

A young man simply identified as Qawiyu from Ibaragun has appealed to the Nigeria police for forgiveness after raising an alarm over fake bandits attack in Ogun State.

The man, who is already in police custody, said that he raised the alarm in a video only to get social media followers.

He said: “I raised a fake bandits attack just to gain TikTok followers. Please forgive me. My Ileya customers’ clothes are still in my shop.”

When asked how he got the Fulani herdsman he used in the video, the man said, “The Fulani herdsman used to move with his cows in their area just behind his shop.

“I asked him to feature in the video so that I could get content. He initially refused but I insisted. I told my apprentice to do the recording. I did it because I saw people doing it to gain followers.”

Rivers ADC guber primary: Aspirant accuses Amaechi of imposition, says three winners emerged

2026-05-24T11:56:37.509+01:00

An aspirant in the African Democratic Congress, ADC, gubernatorial primary election in Rivers State, Dr. Allen Idaso Ezekiel-Hart, has rejected the exercise.

Ezekiel-Hart described the primary election as a shambolic charade allegedly orchestrated by former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, to impose a preferred candidate.

The aspirant, who addressed journalists in Abuja on Saturday, claimed the primary produced three different governorship candidates for the ADC in Rivers State, warning that the development could plunge the party into crisis ahead of the 2027 elections if the national leadership fails to intervene.

“Right now, we have three governorship candidates in one party, all thanks to Amaechi’s high-handedness,” Ezekiel-Hart alleged.

He further alleged that contrary to the party’s official timetable fixing May 23 for the governorship primary, aspirants were suddenly informed late Friday that the exercise had been moved forward.

According to him, while he was mobilising supporters across the 23 local government areas in preparation for the scheduled poll, a fellow aspirant, Farah Dagogo, informed him that a parallel process had already been conducted earlier in the day without his knowledge.

Ezekiel-Hart alleged that the state party chairman, Chief Chukwudi Dimkpa, selectively invited only five aspirants believed to be loyal to Amaechi, excluding himself and Dagogo.

He described the process as a “kangaroo arrangement” allegedly designed to clear the path for Gabriel P. Thompson, whom he claimed had long been positioned as Amaechi’s preferred candidate.

According to him, three aspirants were allegedly persuaded to step down for Thompson in what he described as a disguised consensus arrangement despite the party’s public insistence that no consensus candidate would emerge.

He further disclosed that Dagogo later approached him with a proposal for both men to jointly resist what he described as “Amaechi’s camp”. However, according to him, Dagogo also allegedly asked him to publicly congratulate him as the winner.

“He told me to go on air and congratulate him, saying we are from Atiku Abubakar’s political family and should unite. I told him to stop rubbishing Atiku’s name. Atiku will not be part of this nonsense,” Ezekiel-Hart said.

He alleged that Dagogo even offered him political compensation, including possible appointment as Secretary to the State Government, if he endorsed his self-declared victory.

Rejecting the offer, Ezekiel-Hart said he subsequently announced himself as winner after Dagogo publicly made a similar declaration.

“As it stands, Farah declared himself winner, Thompson was declared winner by the state exco, and I also declared myself winner. Three winners in one primary that never held. This cannot stand,” he said.

Ezekiel-Hart accused the Rivers ADC leadership of systematically sidelining him despite being, according to him, the only aspirant who formally notified the party in writing of his intention to contest, with documented acknowledgment from the party secretariat.

He equally accused Amaechi of attempting to replicate what he described as a long-standing culture of political imposition.

“How can someone who is demanding transparent presidential primaries at the national level turn around and impose a governorship candidate in Rivers?” he queried.

Ezekiel-Hart went further to accuse the former minister of failing to account for his political role in the 2015 presidential transition that ousted former President Goodluck Jonathan.

“He owes the South-South an apology for what he did to Jonathan and for mortgaging the political future of this region.”

Ezekiel-Hart called on the ADC National Working Committee to immediately nullify the disputed exercise and either conduct a fresh primary or adopt a consensus arrangement in line with the electoral timetable released by Independent National Electoral Commission.

“The most pragmatic thing now is for the NWC to order a rescheduled primary or quickly adopt a lawful consensus option. Time is running against us,” he suggested.

In the same vein, Ezekiel-Hart warned Dagogo against repeatedly invoking Atiku’s name to bolster his claim.

“He should stop tarnishing Atiku’s reputation in Rivers. Atiku is father to all of us; nobody should claim he is imposing any candidate here.”

He, however, pledged to pursue all grievances strictly within the framework of the party constitution, saying, “We will exhaust every legal channel within the party. I will not rock the boat unnecessarily, but the party must recognise that I won the primaries.”

Gunman killed by US Secret Service after opening fire near White House

2026-05-24T11:42:12.328+01:00

A gunman opened fire near the White House on Saturday evening, with US Secret Service agents killing the assailant in a shoot-out during which a bystander was also struck, authorities said.

President Donald Trump was in the White House at the time — on a day when he was working to negotiate a deal with Iran — but was not impacted by the incident, Secret Service communications chief Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement.

The confrontation took place just after 6:00 pm (2200 GMT) when a man near the White House security perimeter “pulled a weapon from his bag and began firing.”

“Secret Service Police returned fire striking the suspect who was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. During the shooting, one bystander was also struck by gunfire,” Guglielmi said, without giving details on the bystander’s condition.

No Secret Service officers were hurt.

“Thank you to our great Secret Service and Law Enforcement for the swift and professional action taken this evening against a gunman near the White House, who had a violent history and possible obsession with our Country’s most cherished structure,” Trump said on Truth Social early Sunday.

Multiple US media identified the suspect as Nasire Best, 21, of Maryland, reporting that Best had a history of mental health concerns and had multiple prior interactions with Secret Service members.

Police and security forces swarmed the scene, cordoning off access as National Guard troops blocked an AFP reporter from entering the area in downtown Washington.

“We heard probably 20 to 25 what sounded like fireworks, but they’re gunshots, and then everyone started running,” Canadian tourist Reid Adrian told AFP.

Journalists who were on the White House North Lawn at the time said they were ordered to run and shelter in the press briefing room.

ABC News correspondent Selina Wang had been recording a video for social media when the gunfire broke out, capturing the sounds of the shots as she dove to the ground.

“It sounded like dozens of gunshots,” she said on X.

Trump assassination attempts

Trump, 79, has been the target of three alleged assassination attempts, the most recent of which took place on April 25 when an armed man stormed a security checkpoint in a hotel where Trump was attending a media gala.

The man never got close to Trump or the other guests attending the event.

In July 2024, Trump was targeted during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. A gunman killed an audience member and lightly wounded the then-candidate in the ear.

A few months later, another armed man was arrested on a West Palm Beach golf course where Trump was playing a round.

“Thank God President Trump is safe,” House Republicans said on X after the Saturday evening shooting.

“Endless gratitude to the Secret Service for their immediate, heroic response. Political violence has to stop.”

Trump has cited security concerns as one of his reasons for building a ballroom at the White House, tearing down the East Wing after taking office again last year.

The $400 million project currently under construction will feature, according to the New York real estate magnate, six floors below the highly secure “drone-proof” ballroom, including an underground military hospital.

Nigeria’s democracy at risk without strong opposition - Uzodinma

2026-05-24T11:41:43.090+01:00

Hope Uzodinma, Imo state governor, says Nigeria’s democracy could be threatened if opposition parties fail to build strong structures capable of challenging the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking on Saturday during the APC presidential primary, where President Bola Tinubu emerged as the party’s candidate for the 2027 election, Uzodinma said democracy thrives on healthy political competition.

The governor urged opposition parties to strengthen themselves instead of complaining about the dominance of the APC.

“It is no longer a democracy if there is no opposition. I encourage opposition parties to work hard, do what the ruling party has done, and when, by the grace of God, it becomes their turn, they will elect their own president,” Uzodinma said.

Uzodinma also claimed that the APC’s grassroots strength had already positioned the party strongly ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“If you look at what is happening at the grassroots, how the grassroots have been stimulated, starting from the membership registration, which was done electronically, to the validation of members, you can see 35,000 human beings in just one ward in all its local governments,” he said.

“It means that if all our party members vote for President Bola Tinubu, he has already won the election.”

According to the governor, the APC’s electronic membership registration exercise expanded participation and deepened grassroots inclusiveness across the country.

“The membership registration as conducted by the All Progressives Congress took care of grassroots inclusiveness, and today it is manifesting in the realities of our democratic situation in Nigeria,” he said.

Uzodinma also praised Tinubu, saying the president had shown strong political leadership and deserved another term in office.

“President Bola Tinubu has done enough to deserve going back for a second time. I want to congratulate him for taking the time to do politics the way it should be done,” he added.

LP sets up screening appeal panel for aggrieved aspirants

2026-05-24T11:41:37.788+01:00

The Labour Party (LP) has opened an appeals window for presidential, gubernatorial, and national assembly aspirants who are dissatisfied with the outcome of its screening exercise ahead of the 2027 vote.

A letter on Saturday, jointly signed by Taiwo Mary Ajayi and Bintu Konto, chairman and secretary of the LP screening appeals committee, respectively, said disgruntled aspirants were directed to submit notices of appeal and all supporting documents on or before 6:00pm on Monday, May 25.

The committee stated that the appeal hearings would be conducted in line with the party’s constitution, electoral guidelines, and its terms of reference.

The committee said the appeals will be held between 11:00am and 6:00pm at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

“Aspirants may complete the prescribed notice of appeal form or submit a self-drafted notice, provided it conforms to the approved format,” the statement reads.

“Appellants were advised to clearly state the basis of their appeals and attach all relevant documents, with a warning that appeals submitted after the deadline would not be considered.”

The committee noted that appeals should be submitted either physically or via the official email address.

It added that oral submissions and notices sent through unauthorised channels would not be acknowledged.

Nigerian man arrested in US, faces deportation over ‘bank fraud, identity theft’

2026-05-24T11:41:34.222+01:00

Etinosa Osahon, a 49-year-old Nigerian, has been arrested by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles over alleged criminal offences linked to theft and fraud.

In a statement posted on X, ICE Los Angeles said Osahon is currently in its custody pending removal proceedings.

According to the agency, Osahon’s criminal record includes stealing, possession of stolen mail, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

“ICE Los Angeles arrested Etinosa Osahon, 49, of Nigeria, May 21,” the agency wrote.

“Osahon’s criminal record includes stealing and being in possession of stolen mail, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He is in ICE custody pending removal.”

The arrest adds to a series of enforcement actions by US authorities involving Nigerians accused of various criminal offences.

In April, ICE arrested another Nigerian national, Olatunde Olusanjo, over allegations bordering on sexual offences.

The agency said Olusanjo was apprehended by its Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) unit and placed in custody pending deportation proceedings.

US authorities have in recent months intensified immigration enforcement actions targeting foreign nationals with criminal records.

The Donald Trump administration has had Nigeria and a sprinkling of other nations in its crosshairs — with a raft of anti-immigrant policies routinely lobbed their way.

Gunmen abduct INEC official during ADC primary in Cross River

2026-05-24T11:40:00.000+01:00

An official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was abducted after gunmen reportedly disrupted an African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary election in Yakurr LGA of Cross River state.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reported that security sources said the incident occurred around 11:15pm on May 22 at Wummy Hotel in Ekori community, where the party primary election held.

According to the report, two groups of suspected kidnappers stormed the venue during the exercise.

One of the groups reportedly abducted the INEC returning officer, forced him into a vehicle, and compelled him to transfer N70,000 before fleeing the scene.

The publication added that another group, operating on a motorcycle, carted away ballot boxes from the venue.

Following intelligence reports on the incident, troops deployed in Yakurr LGA reportedly laid an ambush for the fleeing suspects and intercepted the vehicle conveying the abducted official.

The INEC official was rescued during the operation, while three suspects were arrested.

Security sources said one armed suspect escaped into a nearby bush with a pistol, mobile phone, ATM card, travelling bag, and other election materials.

The rescued INEC official, the arrested suspects, and the recovered vehicle are currently in military custody for further investigation.

Security operatives have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspect and recover the stolen electoral materials.

Tinubu wins APC presidential primary, to receive certificate of return on Sunday

2026-05-23T22:06:33.409+01:00

President Bola Tinubu has recorded a sweeping victory across several states as the All Progressives Congress (APC) held its 2026 presidential primary election on Saturday.

The exercise, which gathered momentum in the afternoon in most states, was presided over by governors who were officially mandated by the party to serve as collation officers.

In many of the results already announced, the president defeated Stanley Osifo, his lone challenger, who recorded zero votes in several states.

In Rivers state, Tinubu polled 280,468 votes, while Osifo recorded zero votes across the 23 LGAs of the state, according to Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state.

It was a similar outcome in Edo, where Tinubu secured 131,096 votes, while Osifo got just one vote during the exercise held across the 192 wards in the state on Saturday.

Monday Okpebholo, the governor and returning officer for the election, described the exercise as peaceful and transparent.

Muhammadu Yahaya, governor of Gombe, who announced the outcome of the exercise, also said the APC in the state delivered every vote to Tinubu during the presidential primary held across the 11 LGAs.

Yahaya said Tinubu polled 450,516 votes while Osifo recorded zero votes, noting that the state has 550,516 registered APC members.

Osifo also recorded zero votes in Osun as Tinubu secured another landslide victory with 100,880 votes in the primary, which was described as peaceful by Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, who served as collation officer.

“This impressive turnout is not only historic but also a resounding affirmation of the confidence reposed by members of our party in the leadership, vision and Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” Oyetola said.

The president also recorded a clean sweep in Ebonyi, securing all 207,579 valid votes cast across the 13 LGAs, while his rival got zero votes.

Announcing the results in Abakaliki, Francis Nwifuru, governor of Ebonyi and collation officer for the state, said the exercise was held simultaneously across 171 wards and 13 LGAs, where the party has 215,490 members.

In Kwara, Tinubu also defeated Osifo, polling 310,990 votes while his lone challenger secured no votes.

Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, who announced the results, said a total of 457,374 party members were registered for the exercise, while 310,990 members were accredited and participated in the voting process across the state.

The same scenario played out in Bayelsa as Tinubu garnered 277,192 votes to defeat Osifo, who polled five votes, according to Doriel Nduwi, the collation officer.

Similarly, in Zamfara, Tinubu secured 321,579 votes against the 42 votes recorded by Osifo.

Dauda Lawal, governor of the state, who announced the result, said a total of 322,435 accredited voters participated in the exercise.

“I therefore declare President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the winner of the 2026 Zamfara State presidential primary,” Lawal said.

‘STRONG AFFIRMATIONS’

Meanwhile, the president received affirmations in some states whose results have not been announced.

Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, who personally monitored the primary across 255 political wards in the 23 LGAs, said party members turned out massively for the exercise.

He described the development as a strong demonstration of unity, loyalty, and confidence in the leadership of the APC and Tinubu.

Tinubu also received a similar affirmation in Imo as thousands of party members trooped out to cast their votes for his candidacy.

Speaking after the exercise, Hope Uzodimma, governor of the state, said it is very obvious that “President Tinubu has done enough to deserve a second term”.

“Look at what has happened at the grassroots, how it has been stimulated, starting from the membership registration, which was done electronically, to the validation of members,” the governor said.

“In just one ward, we had 35,000 people. It means that if only our party members vote for President Tinubu, he has already won the election.

“I want to thank President Tinubu for giving time to do politics the way it should be done. And I also want to thank our party members for coming out massively to vote for him as our candidate for the 2027 presidential election.”

TINUBU TO RECEIVE CERTIFICATE OF RETURN ON SUNDAY

In a post on X, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s senior special adviser on information and strategy, said the president will be presented with a certificate of return and the party’s flag on Sunday.

“President Tinubu to be presented by APC with certificate of return, party’s flag as the 2027 presidential candidate,” he said.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Sunday receive the certificate and flag of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

“The Presidential Primary Elections Committee will present the certificate and flag at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja after nationwide collation of the primary election results.

“APC governors, members of the National Executive Committee, the National Working Committee, and the National Assembly, along with party stalwarts, will attend the event.”

Oyo APC debunks viral guber primary result, says official figure not yet announced

2026-05-23T22:06:21.463+01:00

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo has dismissed as fake the governorship primary election result currently circulating on social media and some news platforms.

Wasiu Sadare, the state publicity secretary of the party, described the widely shared figures as unauthorised and misleading.

“It’s all fake,” Sadare said

“No official announcement yet. All the results will be announced by the National Secretariat in due course. Thank you.”

The statement comes amid reports of a supposed landslide victory for Sharafadeen Alli, senator representing Oyo south, in the Oyo APC governorship primary held on Friday.

Various unverified tallies have been shared online claiming Alli polled 578,143 votes, followed by Abdulfatai Buhari, senator representing Oyo north, with 37,265 votes, while Bayo Adelabu, former minister of power, secured 19,193 votes

Sadare said the party’s position is clear, stating that no official result has been released at the state level, and only the APC national secretariat is authorised to announce the final outcome after due collation and verification.

Sadare urged party members and the public to disregard the circulating figures and await official communication from the national leadership of the party.

PHOTOS: Hamzat, wife present Lagos APC guber primary results to Tinubu

2026-05-23T22:06:18.107+01:00

Obafemi Hamzat, deputy governor of Lagos state, and his wife, Oluremi, have visited President Bola Tinubu to present the official results of the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election.

Hamzat disclosed this in a Facebook post on Saturday following his emergence as the governorship candidate of the APC for the 2027 Lagos governorship election.

According to him, the visit was also an opportunity to express gratitude for the confidence reposed in him by party members and stakeholders.

“I remain deeply grateful for the trust placed in me. Securing the party’s nomination for the 2027 governorship election is both an honour and a profound responsibility,” Hamzat wrote.

“We are working every single day to ensure that our state remains a place where every family can thrive, every business can grow, and every young person can find real opportunities.

“The energy and trust you have placed in this vision mean everything to us. The journey ahead is about turning that shared hope into meaningful progress for everyone.”

Hamzat’s emergence as the APC candidate positions him as the ruling party’s frontrunner in the race to succeed the current Lagos governor in 2027.

See photos below.

Strong Structures, Grassroots Politics Keep Democracy Alive— Tinubu

2026-05-23T17:59:23.347+01:00

President Bola Tinubu says democracy can only be sustained by enduring political structures and grassroots participation.

He spoke on Saturday, shortly after participating in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary vote in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The president, who cast his ballot at his ward alongside Oluremi, his wife, described the exercise as a demonstration of internal democracy and strong grassroots politics.

In a statement on his X page, after participating in the primary, Tinubu re-echoed the importance of strong democratic ideals.

He said democracy only thrives when citizens actively participate in the political process and institutions remain strong.

“Democracy is not sustained by noise, speculation, or borrowed platforms,” Tinubu said.

“It is sustained by citizens who show up, party members who believe, institutions that endure, the grassroots, and a political family rooted in the people.”

The president noted that through entrenched internal democracy and hardwork, the APC has remained focused, organised and deeply grounded across Nigeria.

“Others may gather around grievances. We gather around structure, service, and the work of nation-building,” he said.

The president said the party would continue to renew hope, strengthen democracy, and build a stronger Nigeria for all.

Tinubu is expected to emerge as the sole candidate of the APC for the 2027 presidential election following his endorsement by the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) in May 2025.

At an APC summit in Abuja, Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo state and chairman of the forum, said the governors were united in their support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.

“That for Nigeria to get to her destination faster in prosperity, that the president should be used and adopted as our flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election, for a second term in office,” he said.

How my ex-husband beat me till I lost 4 pregnancies - Actress Basira Beere

2026-05-23T17:59:19.310+01:00

Omoshalewa Yusuf, the Nollywood actress better known as Basira Beere, has opened up on her failed marriage, revealing she was a victim of domestic violence.

In a recent episode of the Talk To B podcast, the actress said she initially ignored warnings from friends who questioned her decision to marry a man they considered “of a lower calibre”.

Basira said she sponsored about 70 per cent of their wedding expenses because she believed she was supporting her husband. However, problems in the marriage started barely days after the ceremony.

The film star recounted how her husband became violent after seeing a congratulatory message from a man she addressed as “dear”.

Basira also blamed her prolonged stay in the marriage on the advice she constantly received from her parents, who repeatedly urged her to endure.

“When I wanted to get married to him, my friends complained that I was marrying someone of a lower calibre than me. I was like, he was not, that I just received the grace of God, and I also came from nothing. When we wanted to do our wedding, I paid for about 70% of the ceremony. I thought I was supporting my man,” she said.

“His problem started about 2-3 days after the wedding. Days after the wedding, a guy texted me to congratulate me on the wedding, and I called him dear, and that was when the problem started. It was so tough, he beat me so much that even our landlord tried to intervene.

“My parents hated it when you complained about your marriage to them. If I explain to them what happened, they would say that I should be patient and endure. Only my siblings who stayed with me at the time could attest to what I went through. If I made a mistake sometimes, he would not think about it twice before beating me, before he realised what he had done.”

Basira said her husband would beat her over minor disagreements, including arguments about music preferences between Fuji singers Pasuma and Saheed Osupa. She said during one such incident, he broke her phone and beat her severely. Within three hours, she began bleeding and suffered a miscarriage.

She disclosed that she lost about four pregnancies due to the beatings and that the final miscarriage convinced her to leave the marriage, as she began to fear for her life.

The actress admitted that she had started considering retaliating physically if the abuse continued. She said she realised the relationship could end tragically if she stayed longer, noting that couples in such situations often end up killing each other.

“At a point, I was like, if this continues, we will kill ourselves someday. I lost about three or four pregnancies due to his beating me. We have fought because of a Pasuma track before, because he likes listening to him. I was listening to an Osupa mixtape, and he asked me to change it to Pasuma. I was like this song would soon be over, and I would change it,” she added.

“He angrily broke my phone, and when I challenged him, he beat daylight out of me. Within three hours, my tummy started aching, and then I saw blood; it was then that I concluded that I could no longer stay. If I say I am no longer interested in a relationship, you would notice through my attitude.

“I would not complain about anything you do anymore, I would just ignore. I was even tired of complaining to my parents because they kept saying I should endure without doing anything about it. He would belittle me, talk down on my career and at a point, I left there because I was scared for my life.

“We did not have any children together, and I thank God that I left because if I had waited a bit longer, something else would have happened. Because I was ready to hit him back if he tried it again, and that is why couples with domestic violence issues end up killing themselves. The last fight we had, I was covered in blood; in fact, Gistlover posted about it. I do not know who leaked it to them.”