Nigeria News (Standard)
PDP Faction in Gombe Disowns Pantami, Announces Alternative Governorship Candidate
Party chieftains reject Isa Pantami’s reported candidacy, declare fresh nominee ahead of 2026 governorship poll
Party chieftains reject Isa Pantami’s reported candidacy, declare fresh nominee ahead of 2026 governorship poll
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State has publicly disowned former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, distancing itself from reports suggesting his emergence as the party’s governorship candidate. The announcement was made on Thursday in Gombe, as the group declared support for a different candidate ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
The development comes amid mounting speculation about Pantami’s political ambitions in Gombe, with some party stakeholders previously touting him as a potential PDP flagbearer. However, the faction clarified that it does not recognise Pantami’s candidacy and has instead selected an alternative nominee whose name was not disclosed at the time of the announcement.
This internal rift highlights ongoing tensions within the PDP in Gombe State, North-East Nigeria, as party members jostle for influence and control ahead of the forthcoming polls. The struggle over the governorship ticket is seen by analysts as a test of strength between established politicians and newer entrants seeking to reshape party dynamics.
Party leaders who addressed journalists insisted that the process leading to Pantami’s purported selection did not follow due process and lacked input from critical stakeholders. “We want to state categorically that Isa Pantami is not our candidate,” a party official said at Thursday’s briefing. The group stressed its commitment to unity and transparency in selecting candidates for all elective offices.
With this latest move, attention now shifts to how national PDP leadership will respond to the division within its Gombe chapter and whether reconciliation efforts will be made before official campaigns commence later this year.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NDLEA Arrests 306 Suspected Drug Offenders, Shuts Down Meth Lab in Ogun State
Agency prosecutes 64, seizes over 2,500kg cannabis and other drugs during clampdown between January and May
Agency prosecutes 64, seizes over 2,500kg cannabis and other drugs during clampdown between January and May
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ogun State has arrested 306 suspected drug offenders and prosecuted 64 individuals for various drug-related offences between January and May 2026. The State Commander, Tijjani Rabe, made this disclosure on Thursday in Abeokuta during the commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
According to Rabe, those apprehended comprised 272 males and 34 females. He further stated that 140 suspects—136 males and four females—were placed in counselling and rehabilitation programmes within the period under review. The agency also dismantled a methamphetamine laboratory in the state as part of its intensified operations targeting drug syndicates.
Rabe revealed that NDLEA operatives seized a total of 2,518.16 kilograms of cannabis sativa, alongside 86.74 kilograms of substances including methamphetamine, cocaine, and tramadol. Additionally, the command confiscated 44.90 litres of codeine syrup and 171.50 litres of locally brewed mixtures known as “skuchies” and “monkey tail.”
Highlighting the significance of these operations, Rabe said the crackdown aligns with this year’s United Nations theme: “The World Drug Problem: Persistent Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.” He noted that substance abuse remains a major concern in Ogun State and across Nigeria, with far-reaching social and economic consequences.
While presenting a review of activities for the previous year (2025), Rabe said the command arrested a total of 771 suspects comprising 650 males and 121 females. He emphasised that ongoing enforcement efforts will focus on both disrupting drug supply chains and increasing public sensitisation to reduce demand. The NDLEA called on parents, community leaders, and all stakeholders to support anti-drug campaigns for greater impact.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Court Remands TikToker Immunizer Over Alleged Cyberbullying of Mohbad’s Widow
Police allege series of online posts exposed Omowunmi Aloba to public hostility; strict bail conditions imposed
Police allege series of online posts exposed Omowunmi Aloba to public hostility; strict bail conditions imposed
A Lagos Magistrate’s Court has remanded popular TikTok content creator Oladimeji Hammed, known as Immunizer, on Tuesday after he was arraigned on six counts related to alleged cyberbullying and harassment of Omowunmi Aloba, widow of the late singer Mohbad. The police brought charges against the 27-year-old following a series of social media posts made between February and March 2026.
According to court filings, the police alleged that Immunizer posted videos and messages which exposed Omowunmi to ridicule, trolling and threats online. Among the claims was an allegation that she planned to leave Nigeria before the conclusion of investigations into her husband’s death. He was also accused of publishing materials suggesting she failed to answer allegations of infidelity raised during court proceedings, as well as circulating private content purportedly linked to her.
The prosecution told the court that these actions amounted to a pattern of targeted online attacks, exposing Omowunmi to public intimidation and hostility. The police further claimed that the online campaign contributed to a March incident in which Omowunmi was nearly assaulted in public. The final count alleges that nude images associated with the widow were circulated with intent to humiliate her.
Immunizer pleaded not guilty to all charges. Presiding Magistrate granted him bail but attached strict conditions: two sureties, each showing at least ₦700,000 bank balance, one being a state civil servant and the other a blood relative; both must present evidence of tax compliance. The matter was adjourned for further hearing.
Mohbad, born Ilerioluwa Aloba, died on September 12, 2023. Since his death, circumstances surrounding it have continued to generate intense debate nationwide. The Lagos State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice is served in the ongoing investigations.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/immunizer-remanded-mohbad-widow-police-allegations-2026062513170943975
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Police Foil Attempted Abduction of Newborns by Woman Disguised as Nurse
Suspect apprehended after hospital staff raised alarm; incident highlights growing concerns over child abduction in health facilities
Suspect apprehended after hospital staff raised alarm; incident highlights growing concerns over child abduction in health facilities
A woman disguised as a nurse was apprehended at a Lagos hospital on Thursday after allegedly attempting to abduct newborn babies, according to reports from hospital authorities. The incident occurred within the premises of an undisclosed health centre in Lagos, where vigilant staff noticed suspicious behaviour and intervened promptly.
Eyewitnesses said the suspect, who was dressed in a nurse’s uniform, tried to blend in with regular hospital personnel before making her move towards the maternity ward. She reportedly attempted to take away two infants before being challenged by staff members, who quickly alerted security officers attached to the facility. The woman was subsequently detained pending further investigation.
Cases of child abduction from hospitals have become an increasing source of worry for many Nigerians, particularly in urban centres like Lagos. Health sector stakeholders have repeatedly called for tighter security measures and better verification processes for staff and visitors to prevent such incidents. Many families remain cautious about leaving their children unattended in public hospitals due to these fears.
Hospital management commended the vigilance of its staff and urged parents to always be on guard while within medical facilities. “Our team acted swiftly when they noticed something was amiss,” a senior official at the hospital stated. “We will continue to strengthen our protocols to protect patients and their families.” Efforts to reach Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer for additional comments were unsuccessful as at press time.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, and the suspect will be handed over to law enforcement for possible prosecution. The incident has reignited discussions on the need for hospitals across Nigeria to enhance surveillance and ensure that only authorised personnel have access to sensitive wards.
NDLEA Arrests 306 Suspected Drug Offenders, Shuts Down Meth Lab in Ogun State
Lagos Court Remands TikToker Immunizer Over Alleged Cyberbullying of Mohbad’s Widow
Lagos Police Foil Attempted Abduction of Newborns by Woman Disguised as Nurse
CISLAC, HEDA Condemn Assault on Sowore and Mob Killing in Kaduna
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