Nigeria News (Standard)
Over 30 Kwara Monarchs Flee Palaces as 11 Obas Abducted or Killed in Kidnap Wave
Traditional rulers now operate from Ilorin, Lagos, and Osogbo after armed men target palaces, crippling local governance
Traditional rulers now operate from Ilorin, Lagos, and Osogbo after armed men target palaces, crippling local governance
More than 30 traditional rulers have fled their palaces across southern Kwara State following a series of abductions and attacks by armed men, with at least 11 Obas reportedly abducted or killed since the start of the year. The exodus has paralysed leadership in over two dozen communities, disrupting farming and local security structures.
The crisis intensified after recent incidents including the death of Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, the ruler of Olayinka community, who reportedly died in captivity after being abducted alongside his wife. Another attack targeted the palace of the Elerin of Adanla. Most affected monarchs are now said to be ruling remotely from safer cities such as Ilorin, Offa, Osogbo in Osun State, and Lagos, while maintaining contact with their subjects at a distance.
Communities impacted by these developments include Omugo, Afin, Oreke, Oreke Oke-Igbo, Olohuntele, Alabe, Ganmu Ailehri, Ologanmo, Igbo Agbon and Olayinka. Local residents say the absence of their kings has disrupted conflict resolution mechanisms and intelligence gathering vital for community security. Farming activities have also come to a halt in several towns due to increased insecurity.
The list of monarchs affected by abductions or attacks reflects a growing trend in the region. Notable cases include Oba Simeon Olanipekun (Oniwo of Afin), who was held captive for over a month before regaining freedom; Oba Segun Aremu-Cole (Olukoro of Koro-Ekiti), shot dead in his palace; and Oba Olufemi Adewumi (Ondo State), who was abducted and later killed. Others like Oba David Adebayo Fatoba (Alara of Ara-Ekiti) survived attacks but were forced into hiding.
Security agencies have yet to issue a comprehensive response to the crisis. However, traditional leaders are calling for urgent intervention from government to restore safety in rural areas and safeguard Nigeria’s traditional institutions. As at now, there has been no official comment from Kwara State Police Command on new measures to address the surge in attacks targeting monarchs. The situation remains tense as local leadership structures struggle to function amid ongoing threats.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/kwara-kings-flee-palaces-kidnap-list-2026061610140874407
Nigeria News (Standard)
Malaysian Platform Winbox Launches Live FIFA World Cup 2026 Streaming and Betting
Platform offers real-time match streaming, live betting, and rewards for Malaysian fans during ongoing FIFA tournament season
Platform offers real-time match streaming, live betting, and rewards for Malaysian fans during ongoing FIFA tournament season
Winbox, an online gaming platform, has introduced live streaming of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches alongside in-play betting features for Malaysian football fans this June. The initiative aims to enhance fan engagement during the global tournament, allowing users to watch matches and place bets seamlessly on their mobile devices or computers.
According to details released by the company on Sunday, Winbox now streams every fixture of the World Cup—from group stages through knockout rounds—directly on its platform. This service is designed for mobile-first access, with features that ensure quick loading and stable video quality whether users are at home or in public venues such as mamak restaurants. Previously, fans had to switch between separate streaming and betting apps to follow matches and place bets.
The new offering also integrates real-time betting markets that update as matches progress. Fans can respond instantly to major developments on the pitch—such as red cards or penalties—by placing or adjusting their bets without leaving the live stream. Winbox stated that its system is optimised to handle heavy traffic during peak match times when national interest is high.
In addition to live features, Winbox has launched a FIFA Points promotion exclusive to the World Cup period. Registered users can accumulate points through regular engagement on the platform, with new members receiving bonus points upon signing up. These points can be redeemed for various prizes during the tournament window. Registration reportedly takes under two minutes, giving users immediate access to all live features and promotions.
Winbox’s management said the combined experience of streaming, live betting, and rewards makes this year’s World Cup unique for Malaysian users. The company emphasised that these services are available only during the tournament period, encouraging fans to register early for maximum benefit.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Oshiomhole Says APC Sacked Him as National Chairman via Zoom Meeting at Presidential Villa
Former Edo governor alleges court orders and internal party moves led to his removal after 2019 electoral victories
Former Edo governor alleges court orders and internal party moves led to his removal after 2019 electoral victories
Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, has revealed that he was removed from office through a virtual National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held via Zoom at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Oshiomhole, who now represents Edo North Senatorial District, made this known during an interview on AIT aired on Sunday, 16 June 2026.
Oshiomhole explained that his ouster in June 2020 came after he led the APC to a second-term victory for President Muhammadu Buhari and resolved leadership disputes within the National Assembly. According to him, moves to remove him began with a petition allegedly signed by eight members of his ward in Edo State, which was followed by a series of court cases and interim orders that paved the way for his suspension.
He said, “I led my party to victory under Buhari. With my colleagues in the National Working Committee, we were able to fix the leadership tussle of the National Assembly, both Senate and House of Representatives effortlessly. Our president didn’t have to run around the country; we did all the marketing and persuasion needed.” Oshiomhole alleged that after stabilising the party, aggrieved members resorted to court actions when they could not remove him democratically. “Once the system got stabilised, I was sacked through a Zoom. When people couldn’t get me removed democratically, they claimed eight members of my ward passed a vote of no confidence on me. Based on that, they went to court and obtained an interim order.”
The former Edo State governor further stated that although he appealed against the suspension order and initially won at the Court of Appeal, the same court later reversed itself three weeks later. He recounted how, shortly after this reversal, an unprecedented NEC meeting was convened virtually at the Villa where his removal was formalised.
Oshiomhole’s exit marked a significant turning point for APC leadership. The party’s NEC subsequently dissolved its National Working Committee and set up a Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee to oversee party affairs amid ongoing internal divisions. His latest statements offer fresh perspective on one of Nigeria’s most dramatic recent political shake-ups.
At press time, no official response had been issued by current APC national officers regarding Oshiomhole’s account.
Nigeria News (Standard)
FG Approves Digital Address System for All Nigerian Buildings, Targets Rollout in October 2026
Communications Minister Tijani says initiative will boost security, curb fraud and improve service delivery nationwide
Communications Minister Tijani says initiative will boost security, curb fraud and improve service delivery nationwide
The Federal Government has announced plans to assign a unique digital address to every building across Nigeria, in a move officials say will tackle fraud, insecurity and poor logistics nationwide. The rollout of the National Digital Alphanumeric Postcode System is set to begin with selected states in October 2026, according to the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
The new addressing system will see all residential, commercial and public buildings across the country assigned a distinct alphanumeric code linked to their precise geographic coordinates. Authorities say this will replace the current reliance on vague descriptions and popular landmarks—such as ‘opposite the filling station’—which often hinder emergency response, deliveries and security investigations.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the platform is being developed in partnership with the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. “This digital addressing system will provide a reliable national location framework for security agencies, businesses and government institutions,” Tijani stated at a press briefing. He added that agencies like the Nigeria Police Force, EFCC, ICPC and DSS would benefit from improved ability to trace suspects and strengthen investigations involving fraud or other crimes.
Officials argue that Nigeria’s outdated addressing system has contributed to billions of naira in annual losses due to failed deliveries and inefficiencies in moving goods and services. NIPOST projects that standardising addresses will also boost e-commerce deliveries, postal services, transportation planning and access to essential government services. Responding to concerns over privacy, government representatives stressed that address-related data will be protected by existing data privacy laws.
With phase one scheduled for October 2026 before a nationwide expansion, stakeholders see the initiative as one of the most ambitious attempts yet to unify Nigeria’s national addressing framework. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment on the announcement.
