Anti-graft agency intensifies surveillance as governorship election witnesses reports of inducement across Ado Ekiti

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Saturday stormed the polling unit of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, amid growing concerns over alleged vote-buying during the ongoing 2026 governorship election. The EFCC officers arrived at the scene on June 20, heightening security presence and monitoring electoral activities as voters cast their ballots.

The anti-corruption agency’s intervention followed widespread reports of inducement across several polling units in the state capital, with eyewitnesses alleging that party agents were seen distributing cash to influence voters’ choices. EFCC personnel moved into the governor’s polling unit in response to these complaints, conducting on-the-spot checks and questioning individuals suspected of electoral malpractice.

Vote-buying has remained a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s electoral process, especially during high-stakes contests such as governorship elections. Stakeholders and civil society groups have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of electoral laws to curb financial inducement and ensure credible polls. The presence of EFCC operatives at a sitting governor’s polling unit underscores rising concerns about the integrity of the process in Ekiti, a key state in the South-West geopolitical zone.

As at press time, neither Governor Oyebanji nor his representatives had issued an official statement regarding the EFCC operation. The commission also did not disclose whether any arrests were made during their visit. Election observers present welcomed the agency’s proactive measures, noting that real-time monitoring could deter malpractice. However, opposition parties have urged EFCC to ensure impartiality and avoid targeting specific constituencies or political parties.

The governorship election continues across Ekiti State with heightened vigilance from anti-graft agencies and security operatives. Results are expected to be announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the coming days. Analysts say that effective monitoring by bodies like EFCC will be critical in restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/889234-ekitidecides2026-efcc-operatives-storm-governor-oyebanjis-polling-unit-amid-vote-buying-concerns.html

Proceedings in Uyo disrupted as magistrate directs media and complainant to exit courtroom during case involving alleged herder

A magistrate sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Saturday ordered journalists and the complainant to leave the courtroom during a trial involving an alleged herder. The directive came as proceedings were underway, forcing media representatives and the person who filed the complaint to vacate the premises.

The decision by the magistrate halted public observation of the case, which has drawn attention due to ongoing tensions around land use and security in parts of Akwa Ibom. The specific charges against the accused herder were not disclosed in open court before those present were asked to leave.

Court cases involving herders have become increasingly sensitive in Nigeria’s South-South region, with stakeholders highlighting concerns about transparency and access to justice. Legal observers say that excluding journalists from such hearings may undermine public trust in judicial processes, especially on matters with social and security implications.

Efforts to obtain an official statement from court authorities were unsuccessful as at press time. There was also no immediate response from law enforcement agencies involved in the prosecution of the matter.

It remains unclear whether future hearings will be open to the public or if similar restrictions will continue. The development has prompted renewed debate among civil society groups about courtroom access and accountability within Akwa Ibom’s justice system.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/889217-akwa-ibom-magistrate-orders-journalists-complainant-out-of-court-during-herder-trial.html

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