FocalPoint Reports

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...