In a decisive move against rising criminal activities, security operatives of the Ilorin South Local Government Council have apprehended three suspected serial kidnappers believed to be behind recent abductions along the Idofian Road axis.

The suspects were arrested during a pre-dawn raid on their hideout in Abelu, following actionable intelligence gathered by the council’s security team. Authorities disclosed that the hideout had served as an operational base for the gang, which has terrorized residents and commuters for weeks.

A bicycle, allegedly used by the suspects as a decoy to pose as harmless cyclists while scouting potential victims, was recovered during the operation. Security sources say the gang employed the strategy to evade suspicion before launching attacks.

Speaking on the breakthrough, the Executive Chairman of Ilorin South Local Government Council, Hon. Nuhu Majeed Podo, praised the operatives for their swift action, stressing that the council remains fully committed to safeguarding lives and property.

“This operation is a clear testament to the effectiveness of our renewed security strategy and the vigilance of our local security network,” Podo stated. “We will not rest until Ilorin South is rid of criminal gangs and residents can move freely without fear.”

The arrested suspects are currently being interrogated, with investigations underway to determine the full extent of their network and whether they are linked to other kidnapping cases in Kwara State.

Authorities have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, adding that community intelligence remains critical in the fight against crime.

The council also reiterated its pledge to continue strengthening local security architecture, including collaborations with state and federal agencies, to keep the area safe.

Fakayode emphasised the significance of adhering to traditional laws and customs, asserting, “Any actions contrary to this judgment and the laws of the land would be a disregard for the customs and traditions that have been the cornerstone of our heritage.”

“The burial was not in consonance with the law of the state, and it is obvious that the burial arrangement contravened Part 8, Section 55, Sub-section II of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law.”

He stressed that the issue extended beyond mere burial rites, representing a challenge to the very fabric of Yoruba customs.

“The actions taken at the event were part of a larger agenda to erode the cultural practices that have defined us for generations.”

“We urge the sons and daughters of Ijebu-Ode and the entire Yoruba race to recognise that the institution of Obaship is not only a sacred tradition but also a choice that demands respect for our cultural heritage.”

“We condemn the disrespect shown to the Osugbo Confraternity during the event by the family of the late Oba, government officials, and the security agencies concerned. Furthermore, to prevent such occurrences in the future, we will take necessary legal actions.”

On his part, Barrister Opeodu, the legal representative of ICIR, echoed the sentiments, stating that the actions of the late monarch’s family, the Ogun State Government, and various law enforcement agencies posed a threat to democracy and infringe upon the fundamental rights of traditional believers.

“In consonance, the actions of these parties constitute a threat to the growth of democracy and an infringement on the fundamental rights of traditional believers to their own beliefs.”

“This is an aberration to the extant law regarding the installation and burial of Obas and Chiefs, leading to a state of anarchy.”

He criticised the Islamic clergies, led by the Chief Imam of Ijebu-Ode, for violating local laws, asserting that their actions reflect a lawless character inherent in their practices.

“The traditional institution, being a lawful entity, is guided by law, unlike the Islamic religion. The traditionalists will take appropriate legal action to seek remedy,” he affirmed.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has sounded the alarm over a wave of infectious disease outbreaks sweeping across the country, warning that Nigeria faces a serious public health crisis if urgent and coordinated action is not taken.

In an official alert released Friday via its website, the NCDC listed five major diseases currently surging across multiple states: cholera, dengue fever, Mpox, diphtheria, and yellow fever—all requiring immediate national attention.

According to the update covering epidemiological week 26 (June 23–29, 2025), suspected cholera cases have been reported in 34 states, with Zamfara State alone accounting for 32% of all cases. Other heavily affected states include Bayelsa, Adamawa, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers.

“The situation demands heightened vigilance and intensified response efforts from all stakeholders,” the agency warned.

Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, leads to severe diarrhoea, dehydration, and, in severe cases, death if untreated. The outbreak is being worsened by poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water.

The NCDC also confirmed an outbreak of dengue fever in Edo State between June 9 and 13 following laboratory investigations. Like yellow fever, dengue is spread by Aedes mosquitoes and thrives in areas with poor waste management and standing water.

Yellow fever itself has now been confirmed in Abia, Anambra, Edo, Ekiti, Lagos, and Rivers states, with seven cases verified as of the last report.

“The yellow fever vaccine remains the most effective prevention strategy,” the NCDC emphasized.

Ongoing cases of Mpox and diphtheria were also highlighted. Mpox presents with fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, while diphtheria causes painful throat infections and dangerous breathing difficulties.

The NCDC urged Nigerians to:

Eliminate mosquito breeding sites

Sleep under insecticide-treated nets

Use insect repellents

Maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene

Avoid self-medication

Seek medical testing promptly, especially as dengue and yellow fever symptoms often resemble malaria

As the threat level rises, health experts say public awareness, preventive behaviour, and swift government response will be critical in curbing the spread of these life-threatening diseases.

Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is’haq Oloyede, has criticised some Nigerian universities over what he called the indiscriminate and devalued awarding of honorary degrees.

Oloyede made the remarks on Wednesday during the University of Ilorin’s 50th anniversary celebration in Ilorin.

Speaking at the investiture of 65 distinguished Nigerians, including 50 ambassadors, 10 alumni, and two recipients of the Award of Excellence, Oloyede said the culture of awarding honorary degrees without merit has eroded the value and dignity once associated with such honours. “Honorary degrees have become worthless,” he declared.

Oloyede praised the University of Ilorin for distancing itself from this trend. “I was part of the team then, during my time as VC, who said the University of Ilorin should not be part of the maddening crowd of awarding honorary degrees,” he said. “I can’t remember any in the last 20 years, just because we want to be different.”

The JAMB boss also lauded the current Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, for what he described as a “creative and dignified” approach to recognising excellence. He added that even the most prestigious honorary degrees could not match the impact made by the university’s new form of recognition.

“Some people even send their drivers to represent them to pick up the awards, just because it has become worthless,” Oloyede said. “From us, we say this is a big honour and we pledge to continue to serve this university, this nation, and humanity at large.”

In his response, Prof. Egbewole explained that the ambassadors were nominated by their faculties and confirmed by the university’s Centre for Advancement. He said the recipients were chosen based on merit and consistent contributions to the university’s growth.

“These individuals have consistently demonstrated loyalty to the values of our university,” Egbewole noted. “Some honourees were added in recognition of their extraordinary acts of generosity and support, reaffirming the saying that one good turn deserves another.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially renamed the University of Maiduguri in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. The institution will henceforth be known as Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri.

President Tinubu made the announcement on Thursday during an extended session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held at the State House, Abuja. The special session, attended by current cabinet members and members of Buhari’s former administration, was convened in honour of the late statesman, who passed away on Sunday.

Buhari, who died at approximately 4:30 p.m. in London at the age of 82, was Nigeria’s former military Head of State and later, a democratically elected president. He is widely remembered for his austere leadership style, integrity, and strong stance against corruption.

Angela Peters, a 56-year-old mother of five and grandmother of 12 from Australia, has defied age and public opinion to welcome twin daughters with her 39-year-old Nigerian husband, Bright, a journey she calls a miracle years in the making.

Peters first connected with Bright in 2020 through a dating app while chatting with his older brother, Emeka, who lived in Senegal. Although the initial connection didn’t blossom, she was drawn to Bright after Emeka shared a family photo. “It was like a thunderbolt, I knew this was the man I was meant to be with,” she told The Sun UK.

At the time, Peters was based in Australia, and Bright was working as a cook in South Africa. The pair began a long-distance relationship, which led Peters to travel to Nigeria in February 2021. Just nine days after meeting in person, they were married in a civil ceremony in Lagos.

“The kids were horrified when I called to tell them, but I knew that once they met Bright, they’d understand,” she recalled. Peters had previously divorced in 2019 after years in what she described as an unfulfilling marriage. Though she hadn’t planned on having more children, she was touched by Bright’s desire to become a father.

Initially, Peters believed motherhood was behind her. At 54, she was experiencing perimenopause and had been told that IVF wasn’t legally available in Australia for women over 52. “I even considered telling Bright to have a child with someone else,” she admitted.

But a visit to Nigeria changed everything. Encouraged by a friend of Bright’s, Peters explored fertility clinics in the country, where doctors offered her the chance to carry a child using an egg donor and Bright’s sperm. She described the experience as the answer to their prayers.

In December 2023, Peters learned she was pregnant, with twins, just as her husband had once predicted. The couple welcomed two daughters, Khorus and Knowyn, in August 2024.

Despite online criticism and concern from medical professionals, Peters described the pregnancy as her smoothest yet. “It was my easiest pregnancy. I felt strong,” she said, crediting the experience with bringing her family closer together.

Her daughter Deina, 28, admitted she was initially worried the relationship was a scam. “Then I got the shocking news that they’d got married and wanted me to be their surrogate,” she said. Learning that her mother would carry the babies herself came as a relief. “She flew through it. She’s so incredible with the girls, it’s a wonder to see.”

Encouraged by her daughters, Peters documented her pregnancy on TikTok to inspire other women facing fertility challenges later in life. “Suddenly, I had people recognising me in public, which was strange,” she said.

Now a mother of seven, Peters said the twins have brought renewed purpose and joy. “To those who dream of motherhood later in life, don’t lose hope,” she said. “It’s never too late to follow your heart.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has quit the PDP, citing a loss of party values.

Atiku cited irreconcilable differences with the PDP’s leadership direction, marking his third departure from the party.

But Governor Seyi Makinde and party chieftain Bode George say his exit won’t impact PDP’s 2027 chances. Makinde called it a normal political move, while George labeled Atiku selfish and urged him to retire.

Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde saw his exit as beneficial. The PDP welcomed his departure, calling it “good riddance.” Atiku has been leading an opposition coalition and recently adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as his platform, with some allies already defecting to the party. His future plans remain unclear.

This marks Atiku’s third defection from the party since 2007.

The striking workers of Ogun State, on Tuesday, vowed not to sit down and talk with any government official other than Governor Dapo Abiodun.

The workers had embarked on an indefinite strike on Tuesday, over the unremitted N82bn contributory pension deductions spanning 14 years.

Addressing journalists at the secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council, at Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta, the labour leaders said the strike would continue until the governor called the labour union leaders for a fruitful meeting.

They claimed that past meetings held with other government officials had brought no respite, adding that the issue under dispute was crucial to their survival and well-being.

Speaking during the press briefing, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Hameed Ademola-Benco, supported by his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Comrade Akeem Lasisi and representative of the Joint Negotiating Council, stated that no amount of threat or intimidation would make them call off the strike except a concrete agreement with the governor was achieved.

Ademola-Benco said, “Yes we have been receiving calls from one government official, but I told my colleagues that we are not going to meet that person, he is our major problem.

“We want to meet only the governor, His Excellency, Dapo Abiodun. He is our employer.

“We are not employees of the Secretary to the State Government, we are not employees of the Head of Service or the Chief of Staff or any commissioner.

“We are employees of Governor Abiodun. He is the one paying our salaries every month, and he is the one we want to sit with on this matter, not any other person.”

He said the contributory pension scheme was giving the workers sleepless nights, arguing that even if it was implemented, a worker who retired on the old pension scheme could be collecting over N300,000 monthly pension while someone who retired on the contributory pension scheme of the same level would be collecting N60,000 as monthly pension.

He said according to the 2013 amended pension law of Ogun State, the commencement of the scheme was slated for July 1, 2025, whereas the government had failed to remit over N82bn contributory pension deductions of the workers in over 14 years.

The NLC chairman also said the government had failed to pay workers’ leave allowances of over eight years, saying it had repeatedly reneged to fulfil several pledges on the huge outstanding running into several billions of naira.

Comrade Lasisi said the pension scheme which came into force in 2008 was designed to fail from the outset.

He said, “The administration of Governor Gbenga Daniel which started the scheme refused to pay some months, while only nine months was paid under Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s eight-year administration, with Governor Abiodun in the last six years also not paying a dime.”