JUST IN: Major General Abubakar Rabe (rtd) who was abducted in Katsina State exactly two weeks ago is dead.

JUST IN:  Major General Abubakar Rabe (rtd) who was abducted in Katsina State exactly two weeks ago is dead.

Katsina State Government has announced that Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was åbdûcted alongside his wife by bandits, has di€d of hypertension while in captivity.

KOLA OYEWO IS DEAD: With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Professor Kola Oyewo, a veteran actor, distinguished scholar, and one of the finest icons of Nigerian theatre and film, who has passed away at the age of 80.

KOLA OYEWO IS DEAD 

With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Professor Kola Oyewo, a veteran actor, distinguished scholar, and one of the finest icons of Nigerian theatre and film, who has passed away at the age of 80.

For decades, he illuminated our screens, stages, and classrooms with uncommon brilliance. As an actor, he brought stories to life with grace, depth, and authenticity. As a lecturer, he nurtured generations of students, shaping minds and inspiring excellence. As a cultural ambassador, he devoted his life to preserving and promoting the richness of Yoruba and Nigerian theatre.

Dr. Oyewo was more than a performer; he was a mentor, a teacher, and a living institution whose influence transcended the arts. His contributions to academia and the entertainment industry have left footprints that time can never erase.

Though death has taken him from our sight, it can never take away the legacy he built, the lives he touched, and the inspiration he leaves behind.

Nigeria has lost a legend. The stage has lost a master. The classroom has lost a great teacher.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. 🕊️🌹

Farewell, Professor Kola Oyewo. Your legacy will live on forever.

Sowore Falls Unconscious After Policemen Fire Teargas At June 12 Protesters in Abuja

Sowore Falls Unconscious After Policemen Fire Teargas At June 12 Protesters in Abuja

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore reportedly fell unconscious on Friday, June 12, 2026, during a Democracy Day protest in Abuja after security operatives fired teargas to disperse demonstrators.

The rally, which was part of a nationwide mass action organized by a coalition of civil society organisations against worsening economic hardship and insecurity, turned chaotic when police arrived at the scene. Operatives deployed canisters of teargas and fired shots into the air to force the crowd to scatter.

Eyewitnesses reported that Sowore collapsed amid the thick fumes of teargas. He was quickly gathered by fellow demonstrators and rushed out of the crowd in a vehicle for emergency medical attention.

The police operation followed warnings from the Federal Capital Territory Command against demonstrations targeting sensitive government locations. Security forces had already barricaded key areas, including Unity Fountain, Eagle Square, and access roads leading to the Three Arms Zone early on Friday morning.

The situation surrounding Sowore’s health condition remains unknown at the time of this report.

Democracy Day 2026: NGIJ Commends Pres. Tinubu’s Reforms

Democracy Day 2026: NGIJ Commends Pres. Tinubu’s Reforms

.Calls for Greater Commitment to Press Freedom, Security

The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) joins millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora in commemorating Democracy Day 2026, a historic occasion that celebrates the resilience of the Nigerian people, the sacrifices of pro-democracy heroes, and the nation's 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.

As we reflect on our democratic journey, we acknowledge that democracy remains the most viable system for promoting popular participation, accountability, rule of law, respect for fundamental human rights, and sustainable national development. 

While Nigeria has recorded significant democratic milestones since 1999, the journey towards a more inclusive, prosperous, and equitable society remains a work in progress.

The Guild commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for several bold policy decisions and reforms aimed at repositioning the nation's economy and strengthening critical sectors of governance. 

We recognize the administration's efforts in pursuing fiscal reforms, infrastructure development, local government autonomy, digital transformation, and initiatives designed to attract foreign investments and enhance economic competitiveness.

We also acknowledge the government's commitment to improving revenue generation and efforts to tackle long-standing structural challenges that have hindered national growth. These are difficult but necessary steps towards economic stability and national progress.

However, as investigative journalists committed to truth, accountability, and public interest, we believe that genuine democracy thrives not merely on policy pronouncements but on measurable improvements in the lives of citizens.

The reality facing millions of Nigerians today remains deeply concerning. Rising inflation, high cost of living, unemployment, poverty, insecurity, and declining purchasing power continue to place enormous burdens on families and businesses across the country. 

While reforms may be yielding long-term prospects, there is an urgent need for more robust social protection measures and targeted interventions to cushion the immediate hardships experienced by ordinary Nigerians.

The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists urges the Federal Government to intensify efforts towards addressing insecurity in all its manifestations, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts, and other criminal activities that threaten national stability and economic productivity. Security remains the foundation upon which development, investment, and national cohesion are built.

We further call on government at all levels to deepen transparency, strengthen anti-corruption institutions, and promote accountability in public service. Nigerians deserve governance that is responsive, transparent, and driven by the collective interest of the people rather than narrow political considerations.

Of particular importance to the Guild is the issue of press freedom. Democracy flourishes where journalists can carry out their constitutional responsibilities without fear, intimidation, harassment, censorship, arbitrary arrests, or threats to their safety.

The media remains a critical pillar of democracy and a watchdog of society.

Investigative journalism plays an indispensable role in exposing corruption, promoting transparency, amplifying citizens' voices, and holding leaders accountable. We therefore urge the Federal Government, security agencies, political actors, and other stakeholders to uphold and protect media freedom as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The safety and protection of journalists must be treated as a national priority. Attacks on journalists and restrictions on access to public information undermine democratic values and weaken public trust in governance.

As Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day, we also call on political leaders, civil society organizations, traditional institutions, the private sector, and citizens to renew their commitment to national unity, peaceful coexistence, electoral integrity, and responsible civic engagement.

Democracy is not an event but a continuous process that demands vigilance, participation, and accountability from both leaders and the governed.

The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists remains committed to promoting ethical journalism, investigative reporting, transparency, human rights, and good governance. We shall continue to use the power of factual, balanced, and public-interest journalism to contribute to nation-building and democratic consolidation.

As we mark Democracy Day 2026, we celebrate the resilience of Nigerians and reaffirm our collective hope for a nation where justice prevails, opportunities abound, institutions are strengthened, and democratic dividends are felt by every citizen regardless of status, ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.

Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria.

Signed:

Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan

President

Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ)

Mr. Rowland Olonishuwa

Secretary

Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ)

SOLDIER KILLED, ANOTHER INJURED AS SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS STRIKE IN MOWE

SOLDIER KILLED, ANOTHER INJURED AS SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS STRIKE IN MOWE

Tension gripped the Magbon-Etido area of Mowe, Ogun State, on Monday after suspected kidnappers reportedly launched an attack during an attempted abduction operation.

According to reports, the armed men targeted a resident in the community, prompting an intervention by security personnel.

 A gun battle reportedly ensued, resulting in the death of one soldier, while another sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

The incident sparked panic in the area, with videos circulating online showing the evacuation of the slain security operative.

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the attack but clarified that the incident was not a bandit invasion, contrary to claims circulating on social media.

 Authorities described it as an isolated criminal attack linked to an attempted kidnapping.

Security operatives have since intensified operations in the area, while efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend those responsible.

Residents have been urged to remain calm and continue their lawful activities, as security agencies maintain that the situation is under control.

Breaking News: IGP Orders Nationwide Seizure of Vehicles Without Number Plates Over Security Concerns

Breaking News: IGP Orders Nationwide Seizure of Vehicles Without Number Plates Over Security Concerns

Abuja, Nigeria – June 9, 2026 – The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Tunji Disu, has ordered a nationwide enforcement operation targeting vehicles operating without valid number plates or with obscvred, concealed, defaced, or altered registration numbers as part of eff0rts to str3ngthen security across the country.

The directive was reportedly issved during a conference with senior police officers in Abuja, where the IGP stressed that unregistered or unidentifiable vehicles have incr£asingly been expl0ited by crim!nals, kdnap+pers, and other off£nders to carry out ill£gal activities while avoiding det£ction.

According to the directive, any vehicle found without number plates or with deliberately concealed or tampered registration numbers will be stopped, impovnded, and subjected to the appropriate l£gal process.

The police chief emphasized that proper vehicle registration is more than an administrative requirement, describing it as a crit!cal tool for cr!me prev£ntion, intell!gence gathering, and national security.

He also directed all Comm!ssioners of Police, tact!cal commanders, and h£ads of police formations across the country to immed!ately intensify enforcement operations, ₩arning that there would be no exc3ptions for vio|ators.

The latest order follows prev!ous police campaigns aga!nst the ill£gal use of t!nted gl@ss perm!ts, unauthorized "spy" number plates, and covered vehicle reg!strations.

 Similar enforcement exerc!ses have already been carr!ed out in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where several off3nding vehicles were impovnded.

The directive has generated mixed reactions among Nigerians. While many citizens have welcomed the move as a necessary step to improve security and road safety, others have expressed concerns over possible ext0rtion at checkpoints, d£lays in obta!ning reg!stration plates for newly purchased vehicles, and the need for fa!r and impartial enforcement.

Mot0rists have been advised to ensure their vehicles are properly reg!stered and display clear, untampered number plates to avoid sanctions as the nationwide operation begins.

The Nigeria Police Force says the init!ative is part of ongoing eff0rts to enhance public safety and address the country's prevailing security challenges.

OSUN GOVT PRESENTS STAFF OF OFFICE TO OBALUFE, LOWA ADIMULA, THREE OTHERS … PROMOTES THEM INTO COUNCIL OF OBAS

OSUN GOVT PRESENTS STAFF OF OFFICE TO OBALUFE, LOWA ADIMULA, THREE OTHERS

… PROMOTES THEM INTO COUNCIL OF OBAS 

The Osun State Government on Tuesday formally presented Staffs of Office and Certificates of Promotion into the Osun State Council of Obas to five traditional rulers in Ile-Ife, in a ceremony held at the Ooni’s Palace.

In a statement by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the honoured monarchs are the Oba Idowu Adediwura, the Obalufe of Ife; Oba Adekola Adeyeye, the Lowa Adimula of Ife; Oba Ilesanmi Olawale, the Elesinnla of Oosa-Alutu of Ife; Oba Adedire Adewole, the Onifeguwa of Ifeguwa; and Oba Lekan Fasesin, the Alade-Okin of Oriade Town.

Presenting the instruments of office on behalf of the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dosu Babatunde, congratulated the monarchs on their elevation and urged them to continue promoting peace, unity and development within their respective domains.

The commissioner noted that the administration of Governor Adeleke remains committed to grassroots development through the execution of critical infrastructure projects, road construction and other developmental initiatives across the state, particularly in Ile-Ife and its environs.

He called on residents of the state to continue supporting the government, stressing that the administration has demonstrated its commitment to improving the welfare of the people through impactful governance and development-oriented programmes.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Olufemi Ogundele, advised the newly elevated traditional rulers not to view their promotion as a basis for rivalry or superiority among members of the traditional institution.

He emphasized that the traditional institution thrives on mutual respect, cooperation and unity, urging the monarchs to work harmoniously in the collective interest of their communities and the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage.

While speaking, the Obalufe of Ife, expressed appreciation to Governor Adeleke and the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, for their support and commitment to strengthening traditional institutions in the state.

He described the recognition as a significant milestone and pledged that the honoured monarchs would continue to promote peace, cultural values and development in their domains.

Similarly, Oba Adekola Adeyeye, the Lowa Adimula of Ife, assured the government and the people of Osun State that he would discharge the responsibilities attached to the office with diligence, integrity and a strong sense of duty.

He pledged not to disappoint the confidence reposed in him and promised to continue contributing to the advancement of his community and the traditional institution.

Among dignitaries present at the event were the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Bunmi Jenyo; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Adam Akintunde Akindeere; traditional rulers from across the state; government officials; and other distinguished guests.

Signed;

Otunba Moses Olafare,

Director, Media and Public Affairs,

Ooni’s Palace.