Special court to fast-track kidnapping cases as police receive ₦10 million reward after rescuing abducted woman

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has announced plans to sign death warrants for convicted kidnappers and order their public execution at Ring Road roundabout in Benin City. The declaration was made on Thursday during his visit to the Edo Police Command Headquarters, following the recent rescue of a kidnapped woman and arrest of suspected kidnappers.

Okpebholo stated that a special court will be established to handle cases of kidnapping and cultism, with trials to be concluded within two weeks. He stressed that anyone convicted under the new arrangement would face execution by hanging in full public view. “I will sign it, the execution by hanging. I will take you to the roundabout that is Ring Road roundabout so that the whole Edo people will see you,” the governor said during his address.

The move comes after security operatives apprehended suspects involved in the abduction of a woman at Vegetable Market along Airport Road. Among those paraded was Marvellous Issac, 32, alleged leader of the gang, which reportedly collected ₦2.2 million ransom. The police recovered a Lexus RX350, pump-action shotgun, ammunition and a motorcycle from the suspects; one gang member was killed during the operation while two others remain at large.

Governor Okpebholo commended the swift action of security agencies and attributed their success to collaboration with the Inspector General of Police and use of drone technology. He rewarded the police squad responsible for the rescue with ₦10 million and warned residents against harbouring criminals, saying anyone found culpable would not be spared.

Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, praised cooperation among security agencies but cautioned against fake news spreading fears about school attacks in the state. He clarified that recent reports were unfounded but had caused panic among parents. Agbonika also warned against self-kidnapping schemes emerging in Edo, describing such acts as criminal offences liable to prosecution.

Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s hard stance on insecurity: “Do not take my simplicity for granted; no kidnapper will find safety in Edo.” The government is expected to roll out guidelines for establishing the special court within weeks as part of its intensified response to rising concerns over kidnapping and violent crime.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/edo-governor-pledges-to-sign-death-warrants-for-convicted-kidnappers-pushes-for-public-execution-2026062009173815432

Disbursement targets academic and non-academic staff as government moves to ease economic pressure on university employees

The federal government has disbursed a total of ₦13 billion in interest-free loans to 7,450 workers across tertiary institutions in Nigeria, officials confirmed on Saturday. The initiative, covering both academic and non-academic staff, aims to provide financial relief amid rising living costs for university employees.

According to details released by authorities, the loans are structured without interest charges and are accessible to eligible workers in federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide. The programme was rolled out this June as part of ongoing efforts by government to address welfare challenges facing the education sector workforce.

The move comes at a time when many lecturers and administrative staff have called for improved support and better working conditions. Economic pressures—including persistent inflation and currency devaluation—have reduced the real value of salaries for many Nigerians in the education sector. Government said the loan scheme is one of several interventions designed to cushion the effects of recent economic reforms.

While some stakeholders welcomed the disbursement as a positive step, others urged government to ensure transparency in loan allocation and follow up with more sustainable welfare measures. “This will go a long way if properly managed,” one university staff member said, but added that more comprehensive reforms remain necessary.

Officials stated that monitoring mechanisms have been put in place to track utilisation of the loans. Further phases of support may be announced after review of this initial rollout, as government continues discussions with unions representing tertiary institution workers.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889227-nigerian-govt-disburses-n13-billion-interest-free-loans-to-7450-tertiary-institution-workers.html

Polling units across Ekiti State open on schedule as residents turn out to cast ballots for new governor

Voting commenced early across local government areas in Ekiti State on Saturday, 20 June 2026, as residents headed to polling units to participate in the state’s highly anticipated governorship election. Electoral officials arrived on time at several locations, enabling the process to start as scheduled in most wards.

Reports from multiple local governments indicated that voters began queueing before dawn, with accreditation and ballot casting proceeding smoothly in the opening hours. Security personnel were observed at major polling centres, monitoring the process and ensuring orderliness as people exercised their franchise.

The Ekiti governorship election is widely seen as a critical contest for both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with the outcome expected to shape political dynamics in the South-West. The early start to voting follows calls by civil society groups for improved logistics after complaints of late arrivals during previous elections in the state.

Election observers noted that prompt commencement is vital for credibility, given Ekiti’s history of closely contested polls and high voter engagement. “Early opening of polling units demonstrates improved preparedness by INEC and creates confidence among voters,” one observer said at a polling centre in Ado-Ekiti.

Results are expected to be collated at ward and local government levels before final announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Stakeholders have urged all parties and supporters to maintain peace throughout the process, as attention turns to turnout figures and early trends.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889215-ekitidecides2026-voting-begins-early-across-lgas.html