Command says viral reports of Mrs Kuburat Omowumi and son’s rescue are false, as security efforts continue

The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed claims circulating online that Mrs Kuburat Omowumi and her son, abducted at Igbope in Oorelope Local Government Area, have been rescued. The denial came in a statement released on Sunday, 21 June 2026, by Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, who described the reports as unfounded and misleading.

According to the Command, a video and related online posts went viral over the weekend alleging that the victims kidnapped on 16 June had regained their freedom. However, police authorities insist that no such rescue has taken place, warning that such misinformation could create confusion while efforts to secure their release are ongoing.

The abduction of Mrs Omowumi and her son has raised anxiety within Oorelope LGA and across Oyo State, with many residents calling for increased security presence and a swift resolution. Kidnapping cases have become a recurring concern in South-West Nigeria, fuelling public pressure on security agencies to demonstrate effective response.

In his statement, DSP Ayanlade said: “The Oyo State Police Command has taken notice of a video and related online content alleging that the victims abducted at Igbope on June 16, 2026, have been rescued. The Command wishes to state unequivocally that the claim contained in the circulated video is false, unfounded, and misleading.” He added that intelligence-led operations were ongoing in collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders to ensure safe rescue and apprehension of those responsible for the crime.

Police urged members of the public to disregard unverified reports and rely only on official updates from security agencies. As at Sunday evening, search efforts were still underway while families and local leaders continued to appeal for calm. The Command reaffirmed its commitment to restoring safety in Oorelope LGA and bringing perpetrators to justice.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/oyo-police-debunk-reported-rescue-of-igboho-kidnap-victims/

CDD flags irregularities as technical glitches and suspected vote inducement mar Ekiti governorship poll, calls for urgent action

Election observers have expressed serious concerns over widespread vote-buying, ballot discrepancies and technical issues with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during the Ekiti State governorship election held on Sunday. The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), which deployed monitors across polling units in Ekiti, South-West Nigeria, raised these observations in its preliminary report released on 21 June 2026.

According to CDD, several incidents of suspected vote-buying were reported at polling centres across multiple local government areas. Monitors noted that party agents allegedly distributed cash and other incentives to sway voters’ choices. In addition to the financial inducements, CDD documented irregularities in ballot handling and discrepancies between the number of accredited voters and ballots cast in some locations.

The situation was compounded by technical challenges with the BVAS devices, which are used for voter accreditation. Observers reported that glitches with the machines led to delays and frustration among voters, raising questions about the efficiency of the electoral process. CDD stated that these problems undermined public confidence in the credibility of the election and could affect acceptance of the final results.

In its statement, CDD called on both INEC and security agencies to take immediate steps to address these issues before results are announced. The organisation urged authorities to investigate all reports of malpractice and sanction any individuals found culpable. As at Sunday evening, there had been no official response from INEC or major political parties regarding the allegations highlighted by CDD.

Ekiti’s governorship race is being closely watched nationwide as a bellwether for future elections in Nigeria’s South-West zone. Stakeholders warn that failure to address these observed irregularities may fuel post-election disputes and erode trust in democratic institutions ahead of subsequent polls.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/889603-ekitidecides2026-cdd-flags-vote-buying-ballot-discrepancies-bvas-glitches.html

APC incumbent secures second term as PDP’s Wole Oluyede trails with over 278,000 votes in South-West state

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the Ekiti State governorship election held on Saturday, June 19th. The announcement was made in Ado-Ekiti by INEC’s Chief Returning Officer, Professor Adenike Oladiji, after collation of results from all sixteen local government areas.

According to Professor Oladiji, Oyebanji polled a total of 319,224 votes to defeat his closest rival, Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who secured 40,543 votes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Oluwadare Bejide, came third with 12,872 votes. The Returning Officer stated that Oyebanji satisfied all constitutional and electoral requirements and was therefore returned elected for a second term in office.

Oyebanji’s victory reaffirms APC’s hold on Ekiti State and signals continuity in governance for the South-West region. The election was closely monitored by stakeholders amid expectations of improved service delivery and development initiatives in the state. With a margin of over 278,000 votes separating APC and PDP candidates, observers noted the wide voter support for the incumbent.

Speaking shortly after being declared winner, Governor Oyebanji described his re-election as a renewed mandate to serve Ekiti people. “I have a proper understanding of the responsibility that this victory has placed on my shoulders. It is a responsibility of service to the people of Ekiti State,” he said in his post-election statement. He pledged that his administration would continue to pursue its development agenda with courage and compassion, while remaining open to new ideas and emerging priorities.

Oyebanji further assured residents that government would prioritise programmes aimed at ending poverty and inequality across the state. “We have a development guide, and we will continue to faithfully implement that plan. At the same time, if there are new issues or areas that require attention, we will review them and ensure they are accommodated,” he said.

With INEC’s declaration now official, attention shifts to how Governor Oyebanji will consolidate on existing projects and address fresh challenges facing Ekiti State during his second term. As at Sunday evening, there had been no formal response from opposition PDP leadership regarding the outcome.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/inec-declares-incumbent-oyebanji-winner-of-ekiti-state-governorship-election-2026062114332112894