Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Police Dismiss Link Between Isan-Ekiti Violence and 2026 Governorship Election
Command says recent unrest in Oye Local Government not connected to upcoming poll, urges residents to remain calm
Command says recent unrest in Oye Local Government not connected to upcoming poll, urges residents to remain calm
Ekiti State Police Command has denied reports linking the recent violence in Isan-Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area, to the forthcoming 2026 governorship election. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has raised concerns among residents about possible political motivations behind the unrest.
According to the police, preliminary investigations show that the disturbance in Isan-Ekiti was not related to any electoral activity or political gathering. Officers were deployed swiftly to restore order, and normalcy has since returned to the area. The command emphasised that no evidence currently suggests any connection with political parties or candidates preparing for the EkitiDecides2026 poll.
The situation comes at a time when tensions are high across Ekiti State as politicians and supporters begin early mobilisation ahead of next year’s governorship race. Security agencies have previously warned against attempts by any group to cause unrest or disrupt public peace during the pre-election period.
In a statement issued on Saturday, police authorities urged community members not to spread unverified claims or panic over isolated incidents. “We want to assure the good people of Ekiti that our officers are committed to maintaining law and order before, during and after the election,” the command stated.
The police called on residents of Oye LGA and other parts of Ekiti North Senatorial District to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities. With electioneering expected to intensify in coming months, stakeholders have been advised to prioritise peaceful engagement and avoid inflammatory rhetoric.
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
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.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos EFCC Witness Testifies Accused Boasted No Agency Could Arrest Him in Alleged $41,000 Romance Scam
Court hears details of suspect’s claims as EFCC pursues prosecution over alleged international online fraud involving foreign victim
Court hears details of suspect’s claims as EFCC pursues prosecution over alleged international online fraud involving foreign victim
A witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) told a Lagos court on Saturday that the accused person in an alleged $41,000 romance scam had boasted no agency could arrest or prosecute him. The testimony was delivered during a session at the Federal High Court, Lagos, as part of ongoing efforts by the EFCC to tackle cybercrime and related offences within the state.
According to court proceedings, the EFCC’s witness described how the accused, whose name was not disclosed in open session, allegedly defrauded a foreign national through an elaborate romance scam valued at $41,000 (over ₦61 million at current exchange rates). The witness recounted that during investigations, the suspect claimed he was untouchable by Nigerian law enforcement agencies.
The case highlights growing concerns among stakeholders about the proliferation of online scams targeting individuals abroad, with Nigeria’s anti-graft agency intensifying efforts to secure convictions and recover illicit proceeds. The EFCC has repeatedly warned Nigerians about engaging in internet fraud schemes and urged citizens to report suspicious activities.
During cross-examination, the defence challenged aspects of the evidence presented. The presiding judge adjourned further hearing to a later date for continuation of trial. The EFCC maintains that it will pursue all legal avenues to ensure justice is served in cases of cybercrime.
If convicted, the accused faces significant jail time under Nigeria’s anti-fraud laws. The case underscores ongoing government efforts to restore Nigeria’s image internationally and deter would-be offenders from engaging in cyber-enabled crimes.
Nigeria News (Standard)
US Moves to Withdraw HIV/AIDS Funding from South Africa Over Policy Dispute
Decision follows unresolved disagreements between US government and South African authorities on HIV/AIDS programme management
Decision follows unresolved disagreements between US government and South African authorities on HIV/AIDS programme management
The United States government has announced plans to gradually end its financial support for HIV/AIDS interventions in South Africa, citing ongoing policy disputes with the country’s authorities. The development, which was made public on Saturday, signals a significant shift in the long-standing partnership between Washington and Pretoria in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
According to details released, the US intends to phase out funding for key health programmes following disagreements over how these initiatives should be managed and implemented. The move is expected to affect resources channelled towards prevention, treatment, and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa, a country with one of the world’s highest rates of infection.
This decision comes at a time when millions depend on externally funded interventions for access to life-saving antiretroviral drugs and community outreach services. Analysts say the planned withdrawal could have far-reaching consequences for public health outcomes if alternative sources of funding are not secured by South African authorities.
While the US government has cited policy differences as its reason for pulling back support, there was no immediate statement from the South African government regarding possible steps to address the funding gap or resolve outstanding issues. Health sector stakeholders warn that vulnerable populations may face increased risk if interventions are scaled down without sufficient transition planning.
It remains unclear what timeline the US will follow in winding down its involvement. However, attention now turns to how both governments will navigate the diplomatic fallout and whether South Africa can mobilise domestic or alternative international resources to sustain critical HIV/AIDS programmes moving forward.
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