Anti-Vice Squad intensifies operations as fleeing suspect escapes arrest; exhibits in custody and investigation ongoing

The Delta State Police Command has intercepted a vehicle loaded with suspected illicit drugs after the driver, believed to be a member of a robbery syndicate, abandoned the car and fled during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Ozoro–Oleh Expressway in Isoko North Local Government Area. The incident occurred around 4:00am on Friday, 14 June 2026, according to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe.

Police operatives from the Anti-Vice Squad had flagged down a Toyota Sienna with registration number FST 242 YK for routine checks when the driver reportedly became evasive and bolted into nearby bush on sighting officers. Despite an immediate pursuit by police personnel, the suspect managed to escape arrest.

A thorough search of the abandoned vehicle led to the discovery of a large quantity of substances suspected to be illicit drugs, including Codeine, Tramadol, Swinol, Man G and Vega. The seized items have since been taken into police custody as exhibits while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

SP Edafe stated that this interception is part of Delta Police Command’s renewed clampdown on violent crime and drug trafficking across the state. “Our officers remain committed to ensuring public safety and ridding communities of criminal elements,” Edafe said in a press briefing at Asaba. No arrests have been made so far in connection with this particular operation.

The latest development comes amid increased concern over the use of vehicles for transporting illicit substances within Delta State and neighbouring areas in Nigeria’s South-South zone. Security agencies have stepped up patrols and intelligence gathering along major highways notorious for criminal activity. Residents are urged by police authorities to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements within their communities as investigations into the case continue.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/police-bust-suspected-robbery-syndicate-in-delta/

Former state official recognised for strategic communication expertise as only Nigerian on international list released Tuesday

A former Rivers State commissioner has been named among the world’s 50 most crucial thought leaders in media communications, marking a significant international recognition for Nigeria’s public sector professionals. The announcement was made on Tuesday, positioning the ex-commissioner as the sole Nigerian on the prestigious list.

The selection, announced by an unnamed global body, highlights individuals who have demonstrated exceptional influence and innovation in media communications worldwide. The ex-commissioner’s inclusion follows years of service in Rivers State, where his work reportedly shaped public information strategies and advanced government engagement with citizens.

This development is seen as a boost to Nigeria’s reputation in global communications circles, especially at a time when the country is pushing to improve its image abroad and promote transparency in government messaging. Analysts say such recognition can encourage more professionals within Nigeria to pursue excellence and adopt best practices aligned with international standards.

Although details about the selection criteria were not made public, sources familiar with the process noted that honourees were chosen based on their impact, leadership, and contributions to the evolution of media communications. No official statement has been issued by the Rivers State Government or federal authorities as at press time. However, communication experts in Nigeria have described the recognition as a welcome development that could inspire better performance among public officials.

Observers expect this recognition to open further opportunities for knowledge exchange between Nigerian professionals and their global counterparts. Stakeholders are also calling on government to leverage such achievements to enhance capacity building within the country’s communication sector.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/888134-ex-rivers-commissioner-named-among-50-global-crucial-thought-leaders-in-media-communications.html

Presiding judge rules against withdrawal bid in high-profile party dispute; ADC, Aregbesola to pay ₦1 million penalty

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed an application by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, seeking to withdraw from an ongoing suit over the party’s leadership structure. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, also imposed a ₦1 million fine on the applicants.

The court proceedings saw the ADC and Aregbesola move to discontinue their involvement in a legal tussle concerning who holds legitimate authority within the party. However, the presiding judge rejected their request, citing procedural grounds and maintaining that such withdrawals must adhere strictly to established legal frameworks. The court further ordered both parties to pay a total of ₦1 million as penalty for what was described as an abuse of judicial process.

This development comes at a time when internal wrangling has unsettled several political parties ahead of upcoming elections, with many Nigerians closely following disputes over party leadership and representation. Legal experts note that cases like this highlight ongoing challenges with internal democracy within Nigerian political parties and may set precedents for future litigation.

Although neither ADC officials nor Mr. Aregbesola issued an immediate public reaction following the verdict, observers expect both parties to either comply with the financial sanction or file an appeal. The outcome is likely to influence future conduct in intra-party disputes and could affect preparations for electoral activities if leadership controversies persist.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/888130-judge-rejects-adc-aregbesolas-call-to-withdraw-from-party-leadership-suit-imposes-n1-million-fine.html