Command recovers weapons and confraternity caps as security tightens before South-West state’s election

The Osun State Police Command has arrested eight individuals suspected to be cultists and political thugs in separate operations across the state, days ahead of the 15 August governorship election. Police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi announced the arrests in a statement issued on Saturday, naming the suspects and listing items recovered from them.

According to Ojelabi, those apprehended include Abiola Osobu Michael (also known as Small), Afolabi Samson (aka Elesi), Ojute Imoleayo, Jimoh Olayinka, Oluwasesin Niyi, Robin Akeem, Robin Selim, and Nurudeen Kafayat. The suspects range in age from 19 to 48 years. Law enforcement officials said one axe, a live cartridge, a blue cap bearing the Eiye Confraternity insignia, and six other face caps were confiscated during the operation.

The arrests come as Osun prepares for a crucial governorship poll that has drawn heightened attention from political parties and security agencies in the South-West zone. Incidents of violence linked to political rivalry and cult clashes have been reported in previous elections in the state, prompting increased police presence and surveillance this year.

Ojelabi stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the suspects’ motives and possible affiliations with political groups or secret societies. “The command is committed to ensuring a peaceful electoral process and will not tolerate any form of criminality or disruption,” she said in her written statement. As at press time, no opposition party had issued a public reaction to the arrests.

Police authorities say they will continue coordinated raids and intelligence-led patrols across all local government areas in Osun before and during the election period. Residents have been urged to report suspicious activity while candidates are warned against recruiting thugs or engaging cult groups for political advantage.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/police-arrest-eight-suspected-cultists-political-thugs-in-osun/

Agency warns motorists as fines for dangerous driving reach ₦50,000; impounded vehicles attract daily custody fees

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials have begun issuing ₦3,000 fines to motorists found driving with worn-out tyres across Lagos, Abuja and other major cities from June 22, in a bid to tackle rising road accidents linked to tyre failure. The enforcement comes as part of a wider crackdown on traffic offences nationwide.

According to the FRSC’s updated penalty schedule, drivers caught using bald or expired tyres—labelled as ‘tokunbo’ by officials—face immediate fines and risk vehicle impoundment. Offenders are typically apprehended during routine highway checks or targeted patrols in high-traffic zones. In addition to tyre-related penalties, the Corps is also enforcing fines for dangerous driving (₦50,000), forged documents (₦20,000), expired licences (₦10,000), and using mobile phones while driving (₦4,000).

The push for stricter compliance follows an uptick in serious road accidents attributed to poorly maintained vehicles and disregard for basic safety protocols. FRSC authorities noted that worn-out tyres significantly reduce grip on Nigeria’s unpredictable roads, raising the risk of fatal crashes especially during rainy season. Officials stress that these penalties are intended not only as deterrence but also to improve overall safety outcomes for commuters nationwide.

Speaking on the development, FRSC marshals advised motorists to routinely check tread depth and replace tyres showing visible wear or exposed wire mesh. “The real cost is not just the fine but the lives at stake,” an officer said during a roadside operation in Lagos. Motorists are also reminded that failure to present valid driver’s or vehicle documents attracts automatic fines and possible vehicle seizure.

For vehicles impounded due to severe violations, owners must pay a custody fee of ₦200 per day after an initial 24-hour grace period before release is considered. The FRSC urged Nigerians to maintain current documentation and safety kits—including caution triangles and fire extinguishers—to avoid unnecessary expenses and enhance roadworthiness.

Experts say full adherence to traffic regulations could significantly reduce incidents of collisions and traffic gridlocks in urban centres. The FRSC has encouraged all drivers to prioritise routine vehicle checks as part of daily practice.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/frsc-traffic-offences-nigeria-penalties-2026062213160589696

Dr. Mininim Oseji confirms anti-graft agency’s visit during Civil Service Week as nationwide probe targets payroll fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a comprehensive screening exercise targeting the Delta State Head of Service, Dr. Mininim Oseji, and key officials across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as part of efforts to expose ghost workers and strengthen the integrity of the state’s civil service payroll. The verification, which began this week in Asaba, comes amid a broader national move against payroll irregularities in public service.

According to Dr. Oseji, who spoke at a press briefing in Asaba on Monday marking the 2026 Civil Service Week themed “Reforms, Resilience and Results”, EFCC operatives visited government offices to scrutinise payroll records, nominal rolls and other employment documents. The exercise is part of a series of checks being conducted in several states to uncover fraudulent salary payments and ensure only legitimate workers are paid by government.

The screening is seen as a response to longstanding concerns about ghost workers—non-existent employees who remain on public payrolls—costing states billions of naira each year. The EFCC’s intervention follows repeated calls from financial experts and anti-corruption groups for stronger oversight of state wage bills. Delta State, like many others in the South-South zone, has faced scrutiny over its personnel management practices and fiscal discipline.

“The EFCC informed us that it is a nationwide exercise with legal backing to investigate suspected financial irregularities within state administrations,” Dr. Oseji stated during the event. She emphasised that Delta government was cooperating fully with federal authorities to guarantee transparency and restore public confidence in the civil service system. No specific figures were disclosed regarding any ghost workers identified so far.

The outcome of the audit will determine whether further disciplinary or legal actions will be taken against culpable officials or if additional reforms are required within Delta’s MDAs. Observers say the ongoing probe could prompt similar crackdowns in other states if significant payroll fraud is uncovered. The EFCC is expected to release preliminary findings once the verification process concludes.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/efcc-screens-delta-head-of-service-audits-payroll-in-crackdown-on-ghost-workers/