FocalPoint Reports

Verse, Neroitech Inventions to work with PCRC To Strengthen Police-Community Relations In Nigeria Neroitech Inventions, a Nigerian information technology and digital innovation company based in Warri, in collaboration with Verse, has announced its participation in the June 2026 General Meeting of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), as part of efforts aimed at strengthening police-community engagement and promoting sustainable national development. The participation underscores Verse’s growing commitment to grassroots relationship building, civic inclusion, and strategic partnerships that encourage trust, dialogue, and cooperation between Nigerian communities and the Nigeria Police Force. According to the organisers, the engagement forms part of broader initiatives designed to support the Police Community Relations Department and deepen collaboration with stakeholders dedicated to advancing peace, security, and social cohesion across the country. The June 2026 P...

NDC Election: Mulade Appreciates Electorates, Pledges Inclusive Representation for Warri Federal Constituency  By David Ziamone  The winner of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primary election for Warri Federal Constituency, Chief (Comrade) Sheriff Mulade, PhD, has expressed profound gratitude to party delegates, supporters, and constituents for the overwhelming support that secured his victory in the keenly contested primary election held on Friday in Delta State. In a statement personally signed by him and made available to journalists, Mulade described the outcome of the election as a demonstration of the confidence, trust, and acceptance reposed in him by the people of Warri Federal Constituency. The environmental rights activist and peace advocate said he remains humbled by the mandate entrusted to him and assured constituents that he would prioritize their interests through effective, people-oriented, and responsive representation if elected. According t...

NDC Crisis: Group Demands Suspension of Esimaje Awani Over Self-Declaration Saga By Donatus Akpoguma Fresh political turmoil has engulfed the Delta State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a pressure group within the party has called for the immediate suspension of Comrade Esimaje Vincent Awani over allegations of anti-party activities and an alleged unilateral declaration of himself as the party’s candidate for the Warri Federal Constituency ahead of the party primaries and official decision for the 2026 elections. The development has heightened internal tensions within the fast-rising political platform, with party stakeholders warning that the controversy could undermine the NDC’s growing popularity and electoral prospects in Delta State if urgent disciplinary measures are not taken. The group, operating under the banner of Concerned NDC Members for Good Governance and led by Comrade Okorodudu Akpoyibo, accused Awani of allegedly attempting to create par...

NDC Primary Crisis Deepens in Warri Federal Constituency as Group Accuses Awani of Plot to Destabilise Party By Donatus Akpoguma  Fresh cracks have emerged within the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC in Delta State following allegations that a party member, Comrade Esimaje Vincent Awani, is allegedly mobilising protests and ethnic sentiments against the party’s consensus arrangement ahead of the Warri Federal Constituency primary process. A pressure group under the platform of “Concerned NDC Members for Good Governance,” led by Comrade Okorodudu Akpoyibo, accused Awani of orchestrating moves capable of plunging the party into internal division and political unrest at a critical period in its electoral preparations. The group, in a statement made available to journalists in Warri, on Tuesday, alleged that Awani convened a controversial stakeholders’ meeting at his event centre located along Shell Contractors Road, near Eagle Roundabout off Ogunu Road Warri, Delta State, ...

A Federal High Court in Lagos has fixed July 20, 2026, for judgment in a suit filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN), challenging consumer lending regulations introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC.  Justice A.L. Allagoa reserved judgment after lawyers for both parties adopted their final written addresses in the suit marked FHC/L/CS/760/2026 at the court’s Ikoyi division on Monday. The case centres on the legality of the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, also known as the DEON Regulations, issued by the FCCPC. Arguments during proceedings focused heavily on the extent of the FCCPC’s powers within Nigeria’s digital economy and telecommunications sector. Though the parties were absent in court, WASPAN was represented by Kemi Pinheiro SAN, Chukwudi Enebeli SAN, Muyiwa Odubela and Pelumi Agbeyo, while Olufunke Aboyade SAN appeared for the FCCPC ...

Egbema Youths Call On Comr. Mingo Friday Sayami Ogumaka To Contest For Warri North Constituency II Assembly Seat, Youths of Egbema Kingdom in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State have unanimously called on prominent Niger Delta youth leader, Comrade Mingo Friday Sayami Ogumaka, to contest for the newly created Delta State House of Assembly seat for Warri North Constituency II. The call was made during an emergency meeting convened by the Egbema New Political Wave following the release of the Warri Federal Constituency delineation exercise results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The meeting, presided over by former President of the Egbema Youth Council Worldwide, Comrade Kelvin City Eferusuoa, described Comrade Mingo as a dependable, selfless, and courageous leader whose contributions to the development, unity, and recognition of Egbema Kingdom remain outstanding. Addressing members during the gathering, the group urged Comrade Mingo to h...

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially cleared Roland Ebipade Clark to contest for the Federal House of Representatives seat ahead of the 2027 general elections. Hon. Clark secured his clearance following a successful screening exercise conducted by the Special Screening Committee constituted by the Interim National Working Committee (iNWC) of the party. The committee was set up to screen aspirants who were unable to participate in the earlier exercise due to the overwhelming number of qualified Nigerians seeking to contest elections under the PDP platform. Political observers describe the clearance as a major milestone in Hon. Clark’s political ambition and a clear indication of the confidence the party leadership reposes in his ability to provide quality representation and effective leadership. Since the announcement of his clearance, supporters, political associates, and well-wishers across Delta State have continued to felicitate with the PD...

African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has alleged that state governors are already mobilising enormous financial resources to support President Bola Tinubu’s political campaigns for 2027.  Okonkwo made the remarks during an appearance on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television, while giving a harsh assessment of the Tinubu administration nearly three years after assuming office. Okonkwo said politics has become the only thriving sector under the current administration, claiming that governors are mobilising ₦800 billion ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to the Nollywood actor-turned-politician, the current administration is determined to eliminate any serious electoral competition in 2027. He said, “This is the government of catastrophe. The only viable business is politics. “The governors are already budgeting ₦800 billion to support the campaign. That is the only industry that is blossoming under Tinubu because he d...

The Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has announced the assumption of duty of Felix Ohagwu as the 47th Commissioner of Police in the state. Ohagwu succeeds Adebowale Lawal, following his deployment by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu. The Command said the deployment was part of ongoing efforts by the police authorities to strengthen internal security and improve policing across the country. This was contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh. According to the statement, Ohagwu is a seasoned police officer with more than three decades of service experience. The Command said the new police commissioner had served in several investigative, operational and administrative capacities in different parts of the country. It added that his experience would be valuable in sustaining peace, improving crime prevention and strengthening public confidence in policing in Ondo State. Upon assuming office, Ohagwu pledg...

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has cleared former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, to contest its Enugu State governorship primary ahead of the 2027 election. Nnaji was cleared during the faction’s governorship screening exercise held in Abuja on Thursday. The screening committee was chaired by former Kaduna State Governor and former PDP national chairman, Ahmed Makarfi. Apart from Nnaji, entrepreneur Samson Nnamani was also screened and cleared to participate in the forthcoming PDP governorship primary in Enugu State. According to Premium Times, Nnaji’s clearance comes despite an alleged certificate forgery scandal involving his degree and National Youth Service Corps certificates. The former minister resigned from office in October 2025, days after reports emerged on the controversy. Group faults clearance Reacting, a civil society organisation, Defence for Democrac...

‘ Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Ogbomoso and the killing of innocent Nigerians in Katsina State, including a pregnant woman, saying the incidents show Nigeria is bleeding under a government that has reduced leadership to post-tragedy press statements. In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said he was particularly heartbroken by the murder of one of the teachers abducted in Ogbomoso, describing the continued bloodshed as not just a security failure, but a frightening collapse of leadership at the highest level. “At a time when armed criminals are abducting schoolchildren, slaughtering innocent citizens, and turning communities into graveyards, President Tinubu’s response remains the same tired ritual: condemn the killings, threaten that the perpetrators will face the ‘full wrath of the law,’ and then wait for the next massacre. “Nigerians have heard thi...

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has denied claims that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, handpicked those who emerged victorious in the party’s primary elections in Rivers State. Speaking during an interview with Arise News on Monday, Basiru clarified that Wike is not a member of the APC. The APC secretary, however, added that the fact that Wike is not a member of the party does not mean those affiliated with him can not run on the platform of the party. He insisted that those who emerged as winners from the APC primary elections in Rivers State, won a free and fair election, not because they are associated with Wike. “You cannot empirically say that those who have won primary elections in the APC in Rivers State are linked to the umbilical cord of Minister Nyesom Wike. Everyone will be screened; everyone will aspire in his own name. Till tomorrow, Mr. Nyesom Wike has not said—and is not—...

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released the full list of Senatorial aspirants not cleared to participate in the Party’s Senate Primary Elections ahead of the 2027 general elections. Total of 47 aspirants were not cleared according to the list released by the APC on Monday. The party insisted that the screening exercise was conducted by the Party’s Screening Committees in accordance with established procedures and guidelines. Those not cleared include Senator Ben Murray Bruce from Bayelsa, Sen. Garba Musa Mai Doki from Kebbi, Bello Abudullahi Bodejo from Taraba and Senator Banigo Ipalibo from Rivers State. Below is the full list, which cuts across all the states of the federation. 1. Hon. Hamish Idris – Adamawa State, North Senatorial District 2. Hon. Abdurman Kwacham – Adamawa State, North Senatorial District 3. Chimzobam Kingsley Nnalue – Anambra State, North Senatorial District 4. Donald Daunemigita – Bayelsa State, West Senatorial District 5. Sen. Ben Murray Bru...

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has postponed its presidential screening exercise from Monday to Wednesday following disagreements among party leaders over a preferred consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 election.  Sources within the party disclosed that consultations and negotiations were still ongoing among key stakeholders over who should emerge as the party’s consensus presidential candidate. According to party insiders, the leadership has yet to reach an agreement among three leading contenders – Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku Abubakar, and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen. A source familiar with the development said the postponement was aimed at giving the party more time to resolve internal disagreements and avoid deepening divisions before the presidential primary. “The ADC presidential screening exercise has been shifted from Monday to Wednesday,” the source said. “The party has failed to agree on a consensus candidate between Amaechi, Atiku and Hayatu-Deen.” Sources also r...

Political thugs stormed the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Ondo on Sunday and disrupted the collation and announcement of results from last Saturday’s primary elections for House of Representatives aspirants on the party’s platform. The thugs, suspected to be loyal to some disqualified aspirants, temporarily halted proceedings at the APC secretariat in Akure, the state capital. As a result of the attack, the APC chairman in Ondo, Kolawole Babatunde, alongside party executives, electoral officials, delegates, and supporters, were said to have exited the venue through the back door as tension escalated. Security operatives at the venue also evacuated the members of the seven-man National Assembly Primary Election Committee, led by Hon. Iboroma Harry Dabibi, from the secretariat as a result of the attack. According to eyewitnesses, the suspected thugs stormed the secretariat during the exercise and demanded that the committee chairman suspend the announcement o...

By Elizabath Adjerhore Leading aspirant for the Warri Federal Constituency seat under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Chief Sheriff Mulade, PhD, has called on party faithfuls, supporters, and the good people of Warri Federal Constituency to remain hopeful, united, and committed to the collective vision of building a better future ahead of the 2027 general elections. Chief Mulade, a renowned peace advocate, development strategist, and grassroots mobiliser, stated that the growing support and acceptance being enjoyed by the NDC across Delta State and particularly within Warri Federal Constituency is a clear indication that the people are ready for purposeful, inclusive, and people-oriented leadership. According to him, the journey towards 2027 is not just about politics, but about restoring confidence in governance and peaceful coexistence among Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities that make up the Warri Federal Constituency. The environmental...

Newly Inaugurated INC Executive Promises to Promote Unity, Development of Ijaw Nation By Ezekiel Kagbala The National Executive members of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), has been inaugurated in Warri, Delta State with a promise to promote peace, unity, and development of Ijaws of the Niger Delta. The Ijaw National Congress which is the highest Ijaw apex body has been promoting Ijaw cause and development since its inception. In his inaugural speech, the National president of INC, High Chief (Barr.) Macdonard Ebi Igbadiwei said that unity, peace and development of Ijaw nation remain a top priority of INC and would vigorously pursue it. He said the leadership of INC is not about power but about service to the Ijaw nation, adding that they will sacrifice for the collective destiny of the Ijaw nation. According to him “Together we shall rise above division, defend our heritage, protect our communities and environment and build a stronger, united and prosperous Ija...

The Speaker of the Gwagwalada Area Council legislative arm, Mohammed Ibrahim Ibwa, and his aide, Ibrahim Ibwa, have died in a fatal motor accident at Sheda village along the Abuja-Lokoja highway. The accident occurred around 3:10 p.m. on Wednesday, involving a Mercedes-Benz car and a Sino truck. The Speaker’s aide died on the spot, while Ibwa died in the early hours of Thursday at the Abuja Teaching Hospital, where he had been referred after initially receiving treatment at Legend Hospital in Gwagwalada.  A source said the Speaker was travelling in the Mercedes-Benz with two other persons when the vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with the truck near Sheda village. According to the source, the third occupant of the vehicle survived the crash and is currently receiving medical attention. The source added that the Speaker and his aides were returning to Gwagwalada from Kwali, where they had attended a political meeting, when the accident occurred. An official of...

Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) recently strengthened maritime security in the Niger Delta by handing over 15 newly procured gunboats to the Nigerian armed forces, as seen in this Facebook post. The donation includes 7 gunboats for the Nigerian Army and 8 for the Nigerian .....Navy, aimed at enhancing patrols and combatting illegal oil theft in the region.. These vessels are intended to boost the capacity o....  ...f the Army and Navy to curb illegal bunkering and protect critical oil infrastructure, complementing the ongoing surveillance efforts by Tantita. This action highlights the continued partnership between private security firms (Tantita) and government security agencies (Operation Delta Safe) to secure the waterways. This action highlights the continued partnership between private security firms (Tantita) and government security agencies (Operation Delta Safe) to secure the waterways.

Former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State. Mimiko arrived at the APC secretariat in Ondo West Local Government Area on Wednesday to formalise his membership of the ruling party. He was received by the APC Chairman in the state, Babatunde Kolawole, and the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, amid cheers from party supporters. Mimiko, who governed Ondo State between 2009 and 2017, had in April resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending speculation over his political future. Before joining the PDP, the former governor was a prominent figure in the Labour Party (LP), where he played major political roles at both state and national levels. Sources who spoke with The Nation said his return to active partisan politics followed a period of relative political quiet during which he maintained influence through loyalists and political structures across the st...

A United States (US) district court in Michigan has sentenced Nkechy Ezeh, a former executive director at Early Learning Neighbourhood Collaborative (ELNC), to 70 months in prison for having orchestrated a fraud scheme that stole $1.4 million in taxpayer and donor funds intended for vulnerable preschool children. Hala Jarbou, the district judge, described Ezeh as a “a fraud and a thief ” who engaged in a “brazen and widespread” scheme to steal money meant for “most vulnerable children” in West Michigan. Ezeh, an associate professor of education, is the founder of ELNC, a non-profit organisation funded by the US Department of Health and the Department of Education, as well as private donors, to provide meals, transportation, funding, advocacy, and other services to children in underserved communities. According to a statement released by the US government, the trial judge ordered Ezeh to pay $1.4 million in restitution to the victims of the fraud and $390,174 to the Internal...

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that contrary to reports of postponement, its presidential primary election for the 2027 polls would be held as scheduled on May 23, 2026. National publicity secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, said in a statement on Wednesday that reports on social media and other communication platforms about changes to the timetable were false. “This clarification has become necessary following the circulation of false and misleading reports on social media and other communication platforms suggesting otherwise,” the statement read. Under the revised calendar, the sale of nomination forms began on Saturday, April 25, and ran until Saturday, May 2, 2026. Completed forms and accompanying documents were submitted no later than Monday, May 4. Screening of aspirants for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, and Governorship were held between Wednesday, May 6 and Friday, May 8, while Presidential aspirants faced screening panel on ...

The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Mustapha Abdullahi, has denied being arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged ₦500 billion fraud as reported in the media. Abdullahi, in a statement signed and issued by his Media Aide, Abdulrasaq Danjuma, said he only honoured an invitation by the anti-graft agency. While appealing to the public to avoid speculation, misinformation, sensational commentary, and the circulation of unverified claims that may distort facts, prejudice ongoing processes, or create unnecessary tension, Abdullahi noted that the invitation was consistent with due process and respect for constituted authorities. Abdullahi further urged the public to allow the relevant agencies to carry out their responsibilities so that the facts would emerge through lawful, transparent, and due process. He said, “It is important to clarify that he was not arrested, but attended the engagement voluntarily as a respons...

Former Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has withdrawn from the race for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Yobe State ahead of the 2027 election.  Baba announced his withdrawal in a statement released to journalists on Wednesday. This development ends his participation in the contest after days of disagreement within the party over the choice of a consensus candidate. Before his withdrawal, the former police chief was part of a group of six APC aspirants who opposed the emergence of Baba Malam Wali as the party’s consensus candidate. The aspirants had insisted that the party should conduct direct primaries in line with the Electoral Act 2026 and the guidelines of the APC. The aggrieved aspirants included Senator Ibrahim Bomai, Mustapha Maihaja, Bashir Machina, Usman Baba, Kashim Musa Tumsah and Lawan Kolo Geidam. Earlier, Lawan Kolo Geidam had also withdrawn from the contest and declared support for the consensus arrangement adopte...

No fewer than 72 people were reportedly killed after a military air strike hit Tumfa market in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State on Sunday. According to AFP which cited a community leader, some of the victims’ bodies were “blown beyond recognition.” The actual death toll is hard to establish at the moment. Everybody, residents and bandits, goes to the market. People are at the mercy of the bandits. There is nothing they can do,” AFP reported Garba Ibrahim Mashema as saying. This is as Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to defend Nigeria’s constitution as it tackles the country’s insecurity. Tumfa market is reportedly controlled by bandits and some of those killed were young girls selling millet porridge and tofu in the market. Amnesty International has put the death toll at over 100, stating that one affected village buried 80 people at once. The military has denied reports of civilian casualties, describing them as “not tr...

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has rejected the Federal Government’s plan to remove the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) requirement for candidates seeking admission into the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programme.  The union said the move could weaken the standard of teacher training in the country. NUT National President, Audu Amba, made the position known in Abuja during a teachers’ workshop organised by 21st Century in partnership with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). He said admission into colleges of education should not be treated as a lower option compared to universities. He raised concern that many high-performing students now prefer universities, while colleges of education are often left for candidates who could not secure university admission. According to him, this pattern could affect the quality of future teachers in Nigeria. Amba argued that teaching should attract some of the strongest students, addin...

FRSC Blames Speeding and Driver Fatigue After 22 Passengers Were Involved in One of the Deadliest Crashes on the Busy Kogi Corridor This Year At least 16 people have been confirmed dead after a commercial bus plunged off a bridge along the Lokoja–Okene highway in Kogi State, in a tragic accident that has once again highlighted the dangers on one of Nigeria’s busiest roads. The fatal crash occurred at about 9:20 a.m. on Friday at Aku village near Osara, along the Lokoja–Okene route, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). The vehicle involved was a white Toyota Hiace commercial bus with registration number BUS 17 ZD. The bus, which was travelling from Jos, reportedly lost control at high speed, veered off the road and crashed beneath a bridge. Kogi State FRSC Sector Commander, Lawal Fagge, said 22 passengers were on board the vehicle, comprising 21 male adults and one female adult. According to him, 16 passengers — 15 men and one woman — died at the scene of the c...

President Bola Tinubu’s government is reportedly negotiating a fresh $1.25 billion  loan  facility with the World Bank to support economic reforms, job creation, and investment growth. The proposed facility were contained in a World Bank document titled  “Nigeria Actions for Investment and Jobs Acceleration.” According to Channels Television, the document showed that the negotiations have reached an advanced stage, with the proposed facility expected to be presented for approval on June 26, 2026. The development indicates that the loan request has moved beyond the concept and appraisal phases and is now approaching final consideration by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors. If approved, the facility would rank among Nigeria’s largest recent borrowings from the global lender, behind only the $1.5bn Reforms for Economic Stabilisation to Enable Transformation Development Policy Financing approved in June 2024. The document identified the borrower...