Nigeria News (Standard)
Ondo Security Firm Rescues Abducted Trader, Arrests Two Suspects in Irele LGA
GSSL operation foils ₦40 million ransom demand as police take custody of alleged kidnappers in Ondo South-West
GSSL operation foils ₦40 million ransom demand as police take custody of alleged kidnappers in Ondo South-West
A private security company, Gallery Security Services Limited (GSSL), has dismantled a kidnap syndicate and rescued a 37-year-old trader, Morenike Falona, who was held captive for three days in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State. The incident took place last week after the victim was abducted from her residence at Orelopo Street, off Ebute Road, in Irele Town.
According to findings, the kidnappers stormed Falona’s family home and, after failing to seize her husband, forced her into his vehicle before fleeing the scene. Acting on intelligence, GSSL mobilised a twenty-member rapid response team that tracked the suspects to a hideout within a palm plantation in the Iju-Osun community. The operation led to the safe recovery of Falona and the arrest of two alleged kidnappers: Obibodefiyie Ajuesie (36) from Ajapa Community and Monday Lucky (popularly known as “Gazilo,” 37) from Akpata Community — both within Ese-Odo Local Government Area.
Kidnap-for-ransom cases have surged across Ondo State and much of Nigeria’s South-West zone in recent months, with residents increasingly turning to private security outfits for protection amid concerns over police capacity. The abduction of traders and business owners has become a major issue for local communities who fear further attacks if perpetrators are not prosecuted.
Confirming the development, GSSL management said the operation was supported by credible intelligence from community members. “Our team acted swiftly to prevent payment of a ₦40 million ransom demanded by the suspects,” a company spokesperson stated. Ondo State Police Command has since taken custody of the two suspects for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The rescue has brought relief to residents of Irele LGA, but stakeholders warn that more robust collaboration between formal security agencies and local operatives is needed to curb rising insecurity. Police authorities urged citizens to report suspicious activity promptly while promising sustained patrols across vulnerable communities.
Nigeria News (Standard)
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Resigns Amid Labour Party Tensions After 2024 Victory
Starmer steps down less than two years after landslide win as Andy Burnham’s rise sparks Labour leadership contest
Starmer steps down less than two years after landslide win as Andy Burnham’s rise sparks Labour leadership contest
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resigned from office, stepping aside as both UK prime minister and leader of the Labour Party following mounting internal pressure and declining support within his party. The announcement came outside 10 Downing Street on Saturday, 22 June 2026, less than two years after Starmer led Labour to a resounding general election victory in July 2024.
Starmer confirmed he will remain in a caretaker capacity until Labour selects a new leader. His decision follows days of speculation after Andy Burnham, former mayor of Greater Manchester and recently elected Member of Parliament, emerged as a frontrunner to challenge for the party leadership. Burnham’s recent special election win was widely seen as the catalyst for intensified calls within Labour for a change at the top.
Although Starmer’s administration ended over a decade of Conservative rule in Britain, his government struggled to maintain public confidence due to economic stagnation, rising living costs, and concerns about the slow pace of public service reforms. Dissent grew within Labour ranks as some party members questioned whether Starmer could lead them to another electoral success. Recent opinion polls showed Labour losing ground to both the Green Party and Reform UK under Nigel Farage, with many progressive voters shifting allegiances.
Addressing supporters outside Number 10, Starmer said: “The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election. I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace.” Burnham is expected to be sworn in as MP on Monday, further fuelling expectations that he could emerge as Labour’s next leader.
Starmer is now the sixth British prime minister in ten years to leave office before completing a full term, reflecting ongoing political instability in the United Kingdom since Brexit. US President Donald Trump commented on social media that Starmer had “failed badly on two very important subjects- immigration and energy,” while acknowledging his efforts on European cooperation and support for Ukraine. The outcome of Labour’s impending leadership race will determine who takes over as Britain’s next prime minister.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Benin City Hosts Traditional Marriage of TikTok Stars Peller and Jarvis After Viral Romance
Couple completes bride price ceremony in Edo State following two years of public attention, online controversies, and engagement drama
Couple completes bride price ceremony in Edo State following two years of public attention, online controversies, and engagement drama
Popular TikTok personalities Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, and Elizabeth Amadou Aminata, known as Jarvis, have formalised their union with a traditional marriage ceremony in Benin City, Edo State. The event took place over the weekend after nearly two years of widespread attention on social media regarding their relationship journey.
The couple first met during a TikTok livestream in 2023, where both were already gaining popularity as content creators. According to accounts shared by Jarvis, her initial impression of Peller was less than favourable, describing him as loud and sometimes rude. Despite this rocky start, the two began collaborating regularly online, quickly capturing the interest of Nigerian social media users with their entertaining exchanges.
Their partnership soon gave rise to dating rumours when they posted a set of romance-themed, 90s-inspired photos together just weeks after their first interaction. Throughout 2024, both personalities maintained ambiguity about the true nature of their relationship despite mounting speculation from fans. The turning point came in December 2024 when Peller proposed to Jarvis on camera. This was followed by Jarvis appearing in a now-deleted video wearing Edo cultural attire with the caption ‘your bride to be,’ further fuelling discussions online.
The couple’s journey has not been without controversy or public disagreements. Their frequent online interactions and occasional disputes have kept them in the spotlight, making them one of Nigeria’s most talked-about internet couples. Despite facing criticism and navigating rumours about breakups and reconciliations, both parties remained committed to taking their relationship offline and formalising it through traditional rites.
With the successful completion of the bride price ceremony in Benin City, Peller and Jarvis have officially transitioned from viral collaborators to husband and wife. Their story underscores the growing influence of social media on modern relationships in Nigeria and highlights how digital platforms are shaping new paths for celebrity culture among young Nigerians.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/peller-jarvis-relationship-timeline-2026062211461818624
Nigeria News (Standard)
Army Troops Repel Terrorist Attack in Sokoto, Katsina, Rescue Abductees and Recover Weapons
Joint Task Force says coordinated operations foiled infiltration, with several arms, motorcycles and rustled cattle recovered
Joint Task Force says coordinated operations foiled infiltration, with several arms, motorcycles and rustled cattle recovered
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA have repelled armed terrorist attacks in Tureta town, Sokoto State and parts of Katsina State, rescuing abducted civilians and recovering arms, motorcycles and rustled livestock during operations carried out on Friday. The military made this known in a statement released Monday by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media and Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West.
According to the statement, troops acted swiftly on credible intelligence when armed men attempted to infiltrate Tureta town on June 21. The security operatives confronted the attackers, forcing them to abandon their mission and retreat. Aerial surveillance subsequently tracked the fleeing terrorists to Sulubawa Gidan Kare village where they were spotted moving with abducted civilians and stolen livestock. The troops continued pursuit, leading to the rescue of those abducted and recovery of rustled animals.
This incident comes amid heightened security concerns in Sokoto and neighbouring states in the North West geopolitical zone, as communities continue to face threats from banditry and kidnapping. The military has intensified operations across the region in recent months following directives from federal authorities to restore peace and stability.
Lieutenant Colonel Danja stated that “the troops remain committed to ensuring safety of lives and property in the affected areas.” He added that all rescued civilians have been reunited with their families while recovered items include assorted arms and several motorcycles used by the terrorists. No casualty figures were provided for either side as at press time.
The Joint Task Force has assured residents of ongoing patrols and further operations against criminal elements in Sokoto and Katsina States. Security agencies urged members of the public to continue providing useful information that can aid efforts to tackle insecurity in their communities.
