FocalPoint Reports

The Kogi government has confirmed the safe rescue of all victims abducted from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage in Lokoja. The confirmation came in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lokoja by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that gunmen attacked the orphanage on April 26 and abducted 23 pupils, including the proprietor’s wife. The government had earlier confirmed the rescue of 15 victims on April 27 following intensified security operations across the state. Fanwo said the remaining nine victims regained freedom during a rescue operation conducted in the early hours of Wednesday. He described the development as a major breakthrough against criminal elements operating within the state and a relief to affected families. According to him, troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army led the coordinated search-and-rescue mission with support from other security agencies. “The operation, carried out in the A...

The Inspector-General of Police(IGP),  Olatunji Rilwan Disu,  on Wednesday, May 6, met with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, SAN, and other senior officials of the commission at the Force Headquarters in Abuja over security arrangements for upcoming elections. The meeting focused on plans to ensure peaceful, credible and secure elections, especially ahead of the Ekiti and Osun off-cycle governorship elections, forthcoming bye-elections and the 2027 General Elections. Also in attendance were members of the Force Management Team and senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force. The INEC delegation included the National Commissioner for the North-Central Region, Professor Sanni Muhammed; National Commissioners for the North-East Region, Mrs Jamila Abubakar Malafa and Dr Baba Bila; National Commissioner for the South-South Region, Rear Admiral Rhoda Gumus; and National Commissioner for the South-West Region, Professor Kunle Ajayi...

A renowned Delta State-born development advocate and environmental rights activist Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff (PhD), the Ibe-Serimowei of ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State has pledged to bring about improved and sustainable development to his constituency, if given the mandate during 2027 general election to serve as a federal lawmaker in Warri Federal Constituency, at the National Assembly, Abuja. He made the declaration Tuesday, in a press release, said '' I am appealing to electorates in the Warri Federal Constituency to make a wise choice in the 2027 general election by voting me. I am your own and I want to pledge a purposeful driven, unity, people oriented, all-inclusive, economic empowerment, employment, skill acquisition, accessible, reliable and dependable representation, if voted into office,'' He appealed. Comrade Mulade who also a United Nations Peace Ambassador, appealed to politicians to show decorum, purpose-driven and issue-...

The Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from sanctioning broadcast stations and presenters over the expression of personal opinions, alleged intimidation of guests, or failure to maintain neutrality. It was made to understand that Justice Daniel Osiagor granted the interim injunction on Monday following an ex parte application filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE). The suit was argued by counsel to the applicants, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN). The court order prevents the NBC from enforcing several provisions of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code pending the determination of the substantive motion before the court. Justice Osiagor ruled, “ That an order of interim injunction is granted restraining the Defendant, its officers, agents, privies, assigns, associates or any other person or group of persons from enforcing, imposing sanctions, ...

The federal government has ruled out any return to fuel subsidies or the introduction of price controls, reaffirming its commitment to market-driven economic policies. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, made this known on Tuesday in Paris, stating that subsidy regimes distort the economy and will not be reinstated. He added that while the government supports market pricing, regulatory oversight would remain to prevent exploitation across the supply chain. “We will not bring back subsidies because they create distortions in the economy, and we will not introduce price controls because we believe in markets while ensuring that regulation is responsible so that no supplier, trader, or manufacturer takes advantage of the Nigerian people,” he said. Oyedele also noted that global developments, including tensions involving Iran, present both risks and opportunities for Nigeria, particularly in attracting energy investments and maximising revenue under...

A Delta APC Chieftain, John Feh, has called for an urgent intervention of the Federal and State Government in the Bomadi/Patani federal constituency politics, warning of massive wave of defection of members to Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) if nothing is done. Feh stated this in a statement on Tuesday. He said that Bomadi/Patani federal constituency was approaching a critical tipping point that demanded immediate and strategic intervention. According to him, emerging political developments indicate a high likelihood of mass defections from the ruling political structure to the rival NDC, driven by growing dissatisfaction among key stakeholders and grassroots supporters. ”This is not a routine political shift. It is a systemic signal of discontent that can fundamentally alter the political balance of the constituency and beyond, if not urgently addressed. ”The situation calls for decisive, fair and forward-looking action by the Delta Government and all relevant stakeholde...

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Tuesday, 5th May 2026, convened an emergency conference with senior strategic managers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), including the Force Management Team, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. It was reported that the conference, which also had members of the press in attendance, was convened to address critical national security concerns, reinforce accountability within the Force, and outline strategic operational directives for Commands and Formations nationwide. This was disclosed in a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid. In his address, the Inspector-General of Police emphasized the imperative of transparency, discipline, and leadership responsibility at all levels of command, noting that the evolving security landscape demands a more responsive, accountable, and intelligence-driven policing approach. The IGP directly...

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has admitted that the exit of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso from its platform represents a challenge, though the party insists it remains firmly focused on its 2027 electoral ambitions. Speaking on Monday night during an appearance on Arise News’ Prime Time programme, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the development as disappointing but not devastating. Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, and Kwankwaso, candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, had initially joined forces with the ADC in a bid to build a united opposition front ahead of the 2027 elections. However, both politicians later moved to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, where they called for an end to litigation-driven politics as part of their new political strategy. Reacting to their departure, Abdullahi said, “Is it a setback? The answer is yes. Is it a fatal blow? The answer is no, because the objectives are v...

THE Delta State Government has pledged a swift, intelligence-driven response to the rising wave of armed robberies targeting phone and gadget dealers in Asaba. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu, gave the assurance on Monday while receiving protesting dealers at the Government House, Asaba. Emu reaffirmed the government’s resolve not to allow criminal elements to undermine the state’s reputation for safety and public order. He acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns raised and reiterated the administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property. The SSG said the government had begun activating strategic security measures aimed at decisively addressing the threat. He disclosed that a high-level meeting would be convened with relevant security agencies, including intelligence units, to assess the incidents and deploy targeted interventions. Emu emphasised the importance of proper documentation of reported cases and urged affected traders to nominate ...

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc has confirmed the abduction of two of its employees in its Ogun region. The company said the two workers were kidnapped on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, while carrying out their official duties. It was reported that IBEDC disclosed this in a statement signed by its management, saying the incident occurred on the Oyo State axis of the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road. According to the company, the affected employees were whisked away while on duty along the route. Although IBEDC did not disclose the names of the abducted workers, it said the development had caused serious concern within the organisation. The company said, “ We are deeply concerned about this situation, and our thoughts are with our colleagues and their families at this difficult time.” IBEDC added that it had contacted relevant security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted staff members. The electricity distribution company said it was working closely with authorit...

A High Court sitting in Kwale, Delta State has sentenced a 55-year-old man, Emmanuel Akpan, to 20 years imprisonment with hard labour for raping a minor. The court, presided over by Justice O. Enenmo, delivered the judgment on April 28, 2026, after finding the defendant guilty of the offence. The prosecution, led by Catherine Onoberhie-Oberuomo, an Assistant Director in the Ministry of Justice, charged the defendant with one count of rape. According to the prosecution, the victim, a 9 year old girl was the daughter of the defendants fiancee and was staying with her aunt at the time of the incident. The victim was reportedly threatened by the defendant to remain silent, but later disclosed the abuse to her mother, who reported the matter to authorities, leading to his arrest and prosecution. After reviewing the evidence presented, the court convicted Akpan and handed down a 20-year jail term with hard labour, reflecting the gravity of the offence. The judgment is seen as...

The Founder of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) and newly elected National Treasurer of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), High Chief Sheriff Mulade, has earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in International Relations from Delta State University, Abraka. In a remarkable family milestone, his 24-year-old son, David Sheriff Mulade, also bagged a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Mass Communication from the same institution. Both father and son were honoured at the 18th Convocation Ceremony of Delta State University for the 2024/2025 academic session, held on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Speaking after the ceremony, David Sheriff Mulade, a practicing journalist with GbaramatuVoice, expressed deep appreciation to his father for his guidance and inspiration. “I am grateful to my father for his constant support and example. This achievement is a continuation of the foundation he has laid, and it will further strengthen my career in journalism and media practice,” he...

Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola has said that Aliko Dangote did not request financial support from him, Tony Elumelu or Mike Adenuga for the construction of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, dismissing reports suggesting otherwise as false and misleading. In a post shared on X on Monday, Otedola said he did not invest ‘a single kobo’ to the  multi-billion-dollar project. “Reports claiming that Femi Otedola funded the Dangote Petroleum Refinery are completely and utterly false. He has not invested a single kobo,” he said. He clarified that rather than funding the refinery, he had only requested a special allocation to participate in its planned public offer. Otedola also stated that Aliko Dangote did not seek financial support from him or other business figures, including Tony Elumelu and Mike Adenuga. He wrote, “I can categorically state that at no point did Alhaji Dangote request for financing from Mr Elumelu, Mr Adenuga and myself . “The Dangote Group is a well-structured orga...

The United States (US) has resumed visa processing for Nigerian and other foreign doctors after reversing a policy that had stalled applications under its travel ban-related restrictions. The policy shift, reported by The New York Times means affected medical doctors can now proceed with applications for visa extensions, work permits and green cards. The earlier policy, introduced in January, had reportedly halted decisions on some immigration applications for citizens of about 39 countries, leaving many foreign-trained physicians uncertain about their jobs and immigration status. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services has updated its guidelines to exempt medical doctors from the restriction. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security confirmed the development, saying,  “Applications associated with medical physicians will continue processing.” The reversal is expected to bring relief to foreign-trained doctors, including Nigerians, whose applications were aff...

Waste management stakeholders under the Private Sector Participants (PSP) platform in Delta State have announced plans to hold their 2026 convention, with a major highlight being an endorsement rally for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to promotional materials for the event, the PSP Waste Managers Convention 2026 is scheduled to take place on May 8, 2026, at Effurun Roundabout. Themed “Endorsement/Rally for Tinubu & Sheriff Re-election,” the gathering is expected to draw over 4,000 PSP waste managers from across Delta State. The convention is being coordinated by the leadership of the PSP Waste Managers, with Lucky Adjekuko, identified as the State President and Chief Host, playing a central role in organizing the event. Mr Lucky Adjekuko, Delta State PSP President/Chief Host, said that President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori have done so much hence the event is being put together to drum suppor...

A new socio-political advocacy group, the Ijaw Political Grassroots Development Movement (IPGDM), has been launched with a mandate to drive constructive engagement with critical stakeholders and address the persistent underdevelopment in Ijaw communities across Delta State. The convener and chairman of the movement, Chief Mulade Sheriff, PhD, described IPGDM as a strategic pressure group committed to amplifying the concerns of the Ijaw people and influencing policies that promote equitable development. According to him, the initiative is aimed at drawing urgent attention from government at all levels, as well as relevant institutions, to the infrastructural and socio-economic challenges facing Ijaw communities despite their significant contributions to the state and national economy. “It is a known fact that Ijaw communities continue to lack basic developmental amenities, notwithstanding our enormous economic contributions to the growth and development of Delta State and Ni...

A former Chairman of Patani Local Government Area and Ex-Commissioner for Agriculture and Water Resources, Hon. Omoun Perekebena, has formally declared his intention to contest the Patani Constituency seat in the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA) ahead of the 2027 general elections. Perekebena made his declaration during a visit to the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Patani, where he unveiled his ambition under the “Renewed Hope for More” agenda. The declaration attracted a large turnout of supporters and admirers, who reportedly gathered voluntarily in what observers described as a demonstration of his grassroots acceptance and political strength. He was received by APC ward and local government executives led by the party chairman, Mr. Julius Oruma, popularly known as Zakato, alongside the incumbent Chairman of Patani LGA, Hon. Isaac Aguana. Speaking during the event, Oruma welcomed the aspirant and assured all party hopefuls of a level playing field, st...

Nigerian electricity workers have raised alarm over worsening insecurity, deepening poverty, and what they describe as a collapsing power sector that is pushing them to the brink. As the nation marks Workers’ Day 2026, the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, says its members are increasingly exposed to violence, unsafe working conditions, and economic hardship while striving to keep the country powered. A statement by NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, lamented that from overstretched infrastructure to erratic electricity supply, the challenges confronting the sector are mounting. According to NUEE, workers are being forced to deliver under extreme pressure, even as inflation surges, wages stagnate, and the cost of living spirals beyond reach. The union warns that without urgent reforms, both the workforce and the nation’s fragile power system could face further decline. It said, “In addition, we work under very unsafe environment and circumstances – our line...

Delta State traditional rulers from across the three senatorial districts have called on the people of the State to continue to support the programmes and policies of the State Government. The monarchs emphasized that sustained public cooperation remains critical to consolidating the gains already recorded in governance, infrastructure, and economic development. This collective position was made known during a high-profile get-together party held at the prestigious Odogwu Hall, Orodje Palace in Oerokpe. The gathering attracted a large number of first-class and recognized traditional rulers from across the state, serving as a platform for dialogue, reflection, and reinforcement of shared goals between traditional institutions and government. The event was presided over by the Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Major General Felix Mujakperuo (rtd). Traditional rulers from Delta North Senatorial District were led to the occasion by t...

Policemen attached to the Orerokpe Division in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State have allegedly shot an unarmed man in the Okudjere-Ovu community. The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday evening when the officers, working with anti-cult operatives, stopped the victim on suspicion of possessing hard drugs. The shooting comes amid public outrage over the killing of Oghenemine Ogidi, who was recently shot dead by a police officer in Effurun, Delta State. According to reports, the policemen allegedly accused the victim of being in possession of drugs before shooting him in the right leg. A video from the scene showed sympathisers trying to assist the injured man after the policemen reportedly fled the area for fear of being attacked by youths. A rights group, the Initiative for Social Rights Concerns and Advancements, also known as “No Justice, No Peace,” condemned the incident. The group said,  “This incident raises grave concerns, and it is imperative that the Nigeria Po...