Nigeria News (Standard)
Ogun Police Arrest 30 Suspected Cultists During Isara-Remo Initiation Procession
Violent Crime Response Unit moves in with detectives; Anambra Police also confirm arrest of two over missing woman case
Violent Crime Response Unit moves in with detectives; Anambra Police also confirm arrest of two over missing woman case
The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 30 male suspects during an alleged cult initiation procession at Isara-Remo, Remo North Local Government Area, on Sunday, 16 June. The operation was carried out by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) working together with detectives from Isara Area Command and Isara Division.
According to a statement issued by police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi on Tuesday, the suspects were apprehended as they gathered for what the police described as a planned cult initiation ceremony. Officers reportedly acted on intelligence about the gathering and moved in swiftly to disrupt the event and effect arrests. The command said the suspects are currently undergoing further investigation and will be charged to court upon completion of preliminary inquiries.
Cult-related activities remain a major security concern in Ogun State, especially in areas such as Remo and Sagamu, where past clashes have resulted in deaths and destruction of property. State authorities have repeatedly warned against harbouring or supporting cult groups, stressing that such gatherings threaten peace and public safety. The latest arrests come amid renewed efforts by security agencies to clamp down on secret societies ahead of school resumption across South-West states.
“We remain resolute in our determination to rid Ogun State of criminal elements,” Babaseyi said in the statement, urging community members to continue providing credible information to law enforcement agencies. The command did not immediately release names of those arrested or details of any weapons recovered at the scene.
In a separate development, Anambra State Police Command confirmed the arrest of two suspects allegedly linked to the murder of a 33-year-old woman from Oraifite community in Ekwusigo Local Government Area. The woman had been reported missing for over three months before her remains were discovered. Police say investigations are ongoing as at press time.
The recent crackdown underscores ongoing challenges facing police in tackling cultism and violent crime across Nigeria’s South-West and South-East zones. Security agencies have called for greater collaboration with local communities to identify criminal hideouts and prevent similar incidents.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/police-nab-30-suspected-cultists-during-ogun-initiation/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti ADC Governorship Candidate Raises Alarm Over Vote-Buying Ahead of 2026 Polls
Candidate warns electoral officials to enforce rules, says widespread inducement threatens credibility of South-West state’s elections
Candidate warns electoral officials to enforce rules, says widespread inducement threatens credibility of South-West state’s elections
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Ekiti State has expressed serious concerns about alleged vote-buying activities as the state prepares for its 2026 governorship election. The candidate, who spoke in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday, said the growing trend of financial inducement at polling units could undermine the integrity of the entire electoral process.
According to the ADC flagbearer, reports from party agents and supporters across various local government areas suggest that some political actors are already mobilising funds and materials with the aim of influencing voters. He urged both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to take swift action in order to protect the credibility of Ekiti’s democratic process.
Vote-buying has been a recurring issue in Ekiti and other South-West states during previous elections, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing laws and enforcement measures. Analysts say that if left unchecked, such practices could erode public trust in government and discourage credible candidates from participating in future polls.
The ADC candidate called on INEC officials to strictly enforce anti-vote-buying regulations at polling centres and for security personnel to arrest any individual found engaging in electoral malpractice. He also appealed to voters not to allow themselves be swayed by financial offers but to vote according to their conscience.
With campaigns set to intensify in the coming months, stakeholders are watching closely to see how authorities will respond to these allegations and whether measures will be put in place to ensure a free and fair election come 2026.
raised concerns
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Governor Oyebanji Urges Calm Over Voting Glitches in Governorship Poll
Oyebanji appeals for patience as reports of technical issues emerge during Ekiti State governorship election
Oyebanji appeals for patience as reports of technical issues emerge during Ekiti State governorship election
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has called on residents to remain patient and law-abiding following reports of technical glitches during Saturday’s governorship election across the state. The governor addressed the situation after voters in several polling units raised concerns over delays attributed to malfunctioning accreditation devices.
According to information gathered from various polling centres in Ado-Ekiti and other local government areas, some voters experienced slow processing as electoral officials struggled with equipment failures. Election officers were seen making efforts to resolve the issues, with many urging voters not to leave their stations until accredited.
The smooth conduct of the Ekiti governorship election is seen as crucial by stakeholders, given its importance as a bellwether for South-West politics and coming just months before other major elections nationwide. Technical hitches with accreditation devices have previously caused tension in Nigerian polls, often leading to voter frustration and concerns about disenfranchisement.
Governor Oyebanji appealed for calm, assuring residents that officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were working to address all complaints promptly. “I urge our people to exercise patience and allow INEC officials do their work so every eligible voter can participate,” he said in a statement issued at the Government House in Ado-Ekiti.
While some political parties expressed worry over the delays, others commended the efforts of INEC staff on ground. As at press time, voting was ongoing in most affected units, with INEC yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the scale or resolution of the glitches. Security agencies were also monitoring developments to maintain order across polling centres.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Police Vow to Sanction Vote-Buying Offenders, Launch Electoral Emergency Hotline
State command issues stern warning as reports of vote inducement emerge ahead of 2026 governorship poll
State command issues stern warning as reports of vote inducement emerge ahead of 2026 governorship poll
The Ekiti State Police Command has announced it will take firm action against anyone found engaging in vote-buying or other electoral offences during the 2026 governorship election. The announcement came on Saturday, 20 June, as concerns grew over reports of inducements and irregularities in parts of the state.
According to the police, a dedicated emergency line has been provided for residents to report any electoral malpractice or violence as voting progresses. This move is aimed at boosting public confidence and ensuring a peaceful exercise across all local government areas. Security personnel have been deployed to identified flashpoints to maintain order and prevent disruption.
Vote-buying has remained a significant challenge in Nigeria’s elections, with stakeholders repeatedly warning that the practice undermines democracy and disenfranchises ordinary voters. The police initiative comes amid mounting pressure from civil society groups and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for security agencies to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
The Ekiti State Police Command reiterated its commitment to neutrality and professionalism throughout the election period. “Anyone caught violating the law will face immediate prosecution,” an official statement from the command read. Residents were encouraged to make use of the emergency hotline if they witness any irregularities. As at press time, opposition parties had not issued an official response regarding the police measures.
The deployment of the emergency contact and increased patrols signal heightened vigilance by security agencies in Ekiti ahead of the highly anticipated poll. Analysts say success in curbing vote-buying could set a precedent for future elections in South-West Nigeria.
Ekiti ADC Governorship Candidate Raises Alarm Over Vote-Buying Ahead of 2026 Polls
Ekiti Governor Oyebanji Urges Calm Over Voting Glitches in Governorship Poll
Ekiti Police Vow to Sanction Vote-Buying Offenders, Launch Electoral Emergency Hotline
Ekiti Accord Party Candidate Alleges Vote-Buying, Accuses Security Agents of Bias in Governorship Poll
Ogun Police Arrest Three over Armed Robbery, Vehicle Theft in Abeokuta
Ekiti Party Agents Use Numbered Slips for Vote Buying Amid Tight Cash Scrutiny
South Africa’s Qualification Math: What Bafana Bafana Need to Reach 2026 World Cup from Group A
Ekiti Deputy Governor Casts Vote, Applauds High Turnout in 2026 Polls
Presidency Inaugurates Ebola Task Force in Abuja, Moves to Prevent Outbreak Nationwide
Bayelsa Government Discloses ₦13 Billion Monthly Wage Bill, Details State Expenditure
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
Why More Nigerians Are Searching for Casino Bonuses—and What You Should Know Before Claiming
Peter Obi Demands ₦5bn and Public Apology From Kenneth Okonkwo Over Defamation in Lagos
Ụlọ Ọrụ Nigeria Kwupụtara Nsogbu Nchekwa na Ụtụ Isi N’agbanyeghị Ịrị Elu Obi Ike Ahịa
Lagos State Disburses ₦15bn, Creates 320,000 Jobs Through Employment Trust Fund
