Nigeria News (Standard)
Edo Police Arrest Woman, Three Others for Staging Own Kidnapping Over ₦5 Million Debt
Suspect admits tying own hands and demanding ransom; police say no payment was made before arrest in Ikpoba Hills
Suspect admits tying own hands and demanding ransom; police say no payment was made before arrest in Ikpoba Hills
The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old woman, Oluchi Ugbowan, alongside three alleged accomplices after she reportedly staged her own kidnapping to pressure family members into paying ransom money to settle debts. The suspects were paraded by police officers in Benin City on Monday following their arrest at a hotel in the Ikpoba Hills area.
According to CSP Eno Ikoedem, spokesperson for the command, Ugbowan confessed during interrogation that mounting pressure from a microfinance institution drove her to orchestrate the fake abduction. She explained that she personally tied her hands and participated in recording videos where a gun was pressed to her neck, to make the situation look authentic and convince her Canada-based daughter and other relatives of the alleged danger.
Ugbowan told police that she first suggested using a cutlass as a prop but later switched to a firearm owned by one of her co-conspirators’ fathers. “I was the one who tied my hands,” she stated during the parade. “My mindset was that if they saw stronger evidence, they would come up with a better negotiation.” The group initially demanded ₦50 million from the family, later reducing it to ₦20 million when relatives said they could only raise ₦3.5 million. Ugbowan admitted she would have accepted even ₦5 million to clear her debt burden.
One of the accomplices said he was drawn into the scheme after persistent requests from Ugbowan, while his younger brother claimed he believed it was only a church drama until police intervened. The father who owned the unlicensed gun used in the video was also arrested and paraded by police.
No ransom payment was made before police uncovered the plot and apprehended all parties involved at the hotel where Ugbowan had been hiding. Her daughter Anita, who had earlier made public appeals for financial assistance on social media, has confirmed that any funds collected for ransom would be returned in full. The Edo State Police Command says investigations are ongoing and all suspects will be charged to court as at the conclusion of inquiries.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/edo-woman-explains-fake-kidnapping-ransom-plot-2026061017421820124
Nigeria News (Standard)
Senate Voids Arrest Threat Against Former NNPC GMD Kyari Over Alleged ₦210trn Misappropriation
Upper chamber withdraws earlier order summoning ex-NNPC chief Mele Kyari in Abuja over missing funds allegations
Upper chamber withdraws earlier order summoning ex-NNPC chief Mele Kyari in Abuja over missing funds allegations
The Senate on Thursday in Abuja nullified its previous directive seeking the arrest of former Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, over an alleged ₦210 trillion missing oil revenue. The decision followed a review of the committee’s earlier resolution that had threatened legal action against Kyari if he failed to appear before lawmakers.
Senators had initially issued a summon after concerns were raised about the whereabouts of ₦210 trillion reportedly accrued from crude oil sales, sparking public debate over transparency in Nigeria’s petroleum sector. However, during plenary on Thursday, the chamber resolved to set aside the arrest order and continue its probe through conventional legislative channels.
The issue of alleged missing oil revenue has drawn significant attention, especially as Nigeria faces mounting fiscal pressures and declining foreign reserves. The controversy emerged when a Senate committee investigating crude oil receipts claimed that huge sums had not been properly accounted for by NNPCL under Kyari’s leadership. The matter has become a focal point for calls for accountability within the oil and gas sector.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio (APC, Akwa Ibom North-West) said at the session that “the Senate must follow due process” in addressing the matter, adding that further actions will be based on findings from ongoing investigations. No official statement was immediately released by Kyari or NNPCL regarding the Senate’s latest decision.
With this development, the Senate is expected to proceed with its inquiry into crude oil sales and remittances, focusing on ensuring proper oversight rather than punitive measures. Stakeholders in the sector have called for transparent handling of public resources to rebuild trust among Nigerians.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Mexico’s Quiñones Scores First Goal of 2026 World Cup in Opening Match
Forward strikes early as tournament kicks off in Mexico City, giving hosts a strong start to group stage campaign
Forward strikes early as tournament kicks off in Mexico City, giving hosts a strong start to group stage campaign
Mexico’s forward, Julián Quiñones, scored the first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup during the opening match held on Thursday in Mexico City. The goal came in the early minutes of the encounter, setting the tone for the host nation’s campaign in front of a packed Estadio Azteca.
Quiñones found the net after a swift attacking move, capitalising on a defensive lapse by the opposition to put Mexico ahead. The home crowd erupted as Mexico secured an early lead, with fans hopeful that this strong start will propel their team further in the tournament. The match marks the beginning of group stage fixtures for all participating teams.
The opening ceremony featured cultural displays and remarks from FIFA officials, highlighting the significance of Mexico hosting football’s biggest event for a record third time. Local supporters expressed excitement over Quiñones’ performance, while analysts say his early goal could boost team morale as they face tough opponents in their group.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Mexico for successfully hosting the opener and praised Quiñones for his decisive play. Mexican national team coach Diego Cocca said after the match that scoring first at home was important for confidence, adding: “We are proud to start well and will continue to work hard.”
With this victory, Mexico takes an early advantage in their group standings. They will return to action in a few days as matches continue across co-host cities in North America. Supporters are optimistic that Quiñones’ performance signals a promising run for El Tri on home soil.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Oyo State Authority Seizes Livestock Over Illegal Grazing in Iseyin LGA
Move follows farmers’ complaints of crop destruction as Rule of Law Enforcement intensifies clampdown on open grazing
Move follows farmers’ complaints of crop destruction as Rule of Law Enforcement intensifies clampdown on open grazing
The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has confiscated livestock found grazing illegally in Apata Olomo, along Ado-Awaye Road, Iseyin Local Government Area (LGA), following a series of petitions from local farmers. The enforcement action was carried out on Thursday after farmers alleged that herders’ animals had encroached on farmlands, destroyed crops, and threatened their means of livelihood.
According to a statement issued by Justice Aderonke Aderemi (retd.), Chairperson of OYRLEA, the operation was prompted by mounting complaints from the affected community. The enforcement team—led by retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Francis Ojoomo and accompanied by Kofoworola Akinbode, Chief of Staff to the chairperson, as well as security personnel—visited the area to verify the allegations before impounding animals found in violation of state regulations.
Justice Aderemi explained that the team confirmed reports of open grazing contrary to Oyo State’s livestock management laws. She stated that such activities undermine local food security and threaten peace between farmers and herders in the region. “The enforcement operation was initiated following petitions received from farmers within the community, who alleged that the activities of some herders had led to the destruction of farmlands and the consumption of agricultural produce,” Aderemi said.
The crackdown forms part of wider efforts by Oyo State authorities to enforce legislation banning open grazing and promote sustainable livestock management. While affected herders were not immediately available for comment, OYRLEA reiterated its commitment to protecting agricultural livelihoods and maintaining order in rural communities.
Justice Aderemi emphasised that further operations would continue across Oyo State as at when necessary, urging all livestock owners to comply with relevant regulations or face similar sanctions. The authority also encouraged residents to report violations promptly for swift intervention.
Senate Voids Arrest Threat Against Former NNPC GMD Kyari Over Alleged ₦210trn Misappropriation
Mexico’s Quiñones Scores First Goal of 2026 World Cup in Opening Match
Oyo State Authority Seizes Livestock Over Illegal Grazing in Iseyin LGA
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