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Edo Governor Okpebholo Approves Death Penalty for Convicted Kidnappers, Orders Public Execution in Benin City

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

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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

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Falz Releases ‘Ole’, Criticises Nigerian Leaders Over Insecurity and Economic Hardship

Lagos-based rapper renews social commentary with latest single; track follows earlier criticism of electoral commission

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June 20, 2026

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Lagos-based rapper renews social commentary with latest single; track follows earlier criticism of electoral commission

Award-winning rapper and activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has released a new single titled ‘Ole’, openly criticising Nigerian political leaders for failing to tackle the country’s growing insecurity and economic hardship. The track, unveiled in Lagos on Thursday, comes nearly four years after Falz made headlines with ‘Yakubu’, a song targeting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its then Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu.

In ‘Ole’, which translates to ‘thief’ in Yoruba, Falz accuses government officials of neglecting their responsibilities amid worsening socio-economic conditions nationwide. The rapper’s lyrics point to a persistent lack of accountability among those in power, referencing the everyday struggles Nigerians face due to rising prices and widespread insecurity.

The latest release is significant given Nigeria’s current economic challenges, including inflation rates above 30 percent according to recent National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data, as well as continued reports of kidnappings and attacks in several states. Many young Nigerians have turned to music and social media as platforms to express frustration over what they see as government inaction.

While official government reaction to the song was not immediately available as at press time, Falz’s previous political tracks have drawn both praise from civil society groups and criticism from ruling party supporters. Some analysts say such music plays a role in shaping public debate ahead of future elections.

With ‘Ole’, Falz reaffirms his position as one of Nigeria’s most outspoken musical voices on governance issues. Observers expect further conversations around leadership accountability as the song gains traction online and across radio stations nationwide.

Source: https://guardian.ng/life/music/falz-drops-ole-blasts-nigerian-leaders-over-insecurity-hardship/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Scholars in Abuja Link Nigeria’s Security Challenges to Governance Gaps and Widespread Poverty

Experts urge federal government to tackle root causes as insecurity persists across North-West, North-East, and Middle Belt

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June 20, 2026

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Experts urge federal government to tackle root causes as insecurity persists across North-West, North-East, and Middle Belt

Academic experts have identified governance failures and deepening poverty as the core drivers of Nigeria’s ongoing security problems, with rising incidents of violence reported in multiple states. Speaking at a policy forum in Abuja on Saturday, scholars argued that sustained insecurity in regions like the North-West and North-East stems from systemic neglect of social welfare, weak public institutions, and lack of economic opportunities.

The event, which brought together university researchers and policy analysts, focused on analysing the country’s persistent issues with armed banditry, insurgency, and kidnapping. Participants highlighted how inadequate government response has allowed criminal networks to expand their operations, leaving rural communities vulnerable to attacks and displacement.

Nigeria has witnessed a sharp increase in abductions and communal violence over the past decade. Experts noted that these trends have been worsened by unemployment and poor access to education, particularly among young people in affected areas. According to participants at the forum, many aggrieved citizens have lost faith in state institutions due to corruption allegations and perceived exclusion from economic development programmes.

The scholars called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritise reforms that will improve transparency at all levels of government and strengthen social safety nets. They also recommended targeted investments in rural infrastructure and youth empowerment initiatives as strategies to address insecurity. “We cannot solve security problems by force alone,” one participant said during the session. “It is critical for government to restore trust by delivering basic services and creating jobs.”

While the federal government has announced new military deployments in some hotspots, analysts argue that long-term peace will depend on addressing underlying economic grievances. The gathering concluded with a call for further research into local governance structures across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/889266-nigerias-security-crisis-rooted-in-governance-failures-poverty-scholars-say.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Ekiti PDP Candidate Oluyede Alleges Voting Delays, Accuses Police of Intimidation in Governorship Poll

Opposition raises alarm over conduct of security agents as ballot process drags in several polling units across Ekiti State

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June 20, 2026

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Opposition raises alarm over conduct of security agents as ballot process drags in several polling units across Ekiti State

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Olusegun Oluyede, on Saturday raised concerns over delayed voting and alleged intimidation by police officers as the 2026 governorship election got underway. The complaints were made as voters queued at various polling units across the state amid reports of slow accreditation and logistical challenges.

According to Oluyede, who spoke after casting his vote, the process was marred by late arrival of electoral materials in several wards, with many voters forced to wait for hours before polls opened. He further alleged that police personnel deployed to monitor the exercise were intimidating opposition supporters in some areas, a situation he described as an attempt to undermine the credibility of the election.

The delayed start to voting has heightened tensions among party agents and voters in Ekiti, a South-West state with a history of fiercely contested polls. The PDP and other opposition parties have expressed fears that such irregularities could disenfranchise eligible voters and affect the integrity of the outcome.

Oluyede called on security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address these issues urgently. “We want a free and fair process. The actions of some police officers are not encouraging confidence among our supporters,” he said.

As at press time, INEC officials had not issued an official response to the allegations. However, observers say how these concerns are managed will influence public trust in the final results. The Ekiti governorship contest is widely seen as a bellwether for party strength ahead of national elections scheduled for 2027.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889253-ekitidecides2026-pdps-oluyede-raises-concern-over-delayed-voting-process-accuses-police-of-intimidation.html

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