“It’s an Embarrassment to Our Nation” — Akpabio Threatens Legal Action Over Faulty National Assembly Microphones

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has vowed to take legal action against the contractor responsible for renovating the National Assembly complex following persistent technical failures that have disrupted proceedings in both legislative chambers.

Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary, Akpabio expressed frustration after faulty microphones again interrupted Senate proceedings, saying the defects had become a national embarrassment.

“I hope you are taking note of the fact that our microphones are not working well,” Akpabio told lawmakers.

He revealed that he and the Speaker of the House of Representatives were also embarrassed a day earlier during the opening of the National Assembly Week when similar technical problems occurred.

“I was in the House of Representatives yesterday to represent you at the opening of our NASS Week. In the course of it, myself and the Speaker were thoroughly embarrassed. The same contractor that handled the renovation of the House of Representatives handled this one,” he said.

The Senate President warned that if the situation persists, the National Assembly would have no choice but to pursue legal action against the contractor to ensure the project meets the expected standard.

“If this continues, we have steps we can take legally to ensure that a good job is done because it’s an embarrassment to our nation,” he stated.

Akpabio also directed officials to properly document the repeated equipment failures, saying the records would justify any action taken against the contractor.

“I hope you are taking note of it so that when they go to social media to start complaining after we have taken action, you will know why we took the action. We are all witnessing what is going on now,” he added.

The latest incident has renewed concerns over the quality of the recently renovated National Assembly complex and the accountability of contractors handling major public infrastructure projects.

 

Police Storm Criminal Hideout in Ogun, Arrest 43 Suspects, Recover Drugs and Other Exhibits

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested 43 suspects during a late-night raid on a notorious criminal hideout in Isheri-Olofin, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, as part of the ongoing Operation KOSAYE aimed at tackling crime across the state.

The operation, carried out by officers of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, also led to the recovery of suspected hard drugs, mobile phones and other items believed to be linked to criminal activities.

According to a statement issued by the Ogun State Police Command, the raid followed credible intelligence that the location, situated opposite the Kara Cattle Market, had become a gathering point for suspected cult members, drug users, prostitutes and other criminal elements.

The operation, which took place at about 11:00 p.m. on July 7, was led by the Commander of the SWAT Unit, CSP Murphy.

Police said 28 men and 15 women were arrested during the exercise.

During a search of the premises, officers recovered substances suspected to be cannabis and “Loud,” as well as other suspected hard drugs. They also seized 10 mobile phones, four power banks, a rechargeable hand fan, a cross-body bag containing two ATM cards and a National Identity Card, among other exhibits.

The Command said all 43 suspects have been charged to court and remanded in a correctional facility.

They are facing charges including criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, membership of an unlawful society, possession and use of suspected cannabis, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, prostitution, operating an unlicensed brothel and other offences under the laws of Ogun State.

Police also disclosed that some of the suspects are providing useful information to investigators regarding other criminal cases, with follow-up operations already underway to track down additional suspects.

The Command noted that with the latest prosecution, the total number of suspects charged to court under Operation KOSAYE has increased to 76.

Thirty-three suspects were earlier prosecuted during the first phase of the operation, while the newly arrested 43 suspects bring the total to 76.

Commending the SWAT officers for the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised their professionalism and reaffirmed the Command’s determination to rid Ogun State of criminal hideouts.

He warned that the police would continue to identify and dismantle locations used for cult activities, drug abuse, prostitution and other criminal operations.

The Commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information that would assist security agencies in preventing crime across the state.

WAEC, NECO Fees to Rise to N50,000 From 2027 as FG Approves New Uniform Charge

 The Federal Government has approved a new registration fee of N50,000 for candidates sitting the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE), beginning with the 2027 examination cycle.

The decision marks a significant increase from the current N27,500 registration fee and introduces a single, uniform fee for both examination bodies.

According to an official statement dated June 18 and signed by Adeniji Ibrahim, Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, the approval followed a request by WAEC for a review of the existing examination charges.

The ministry explained that the issue was discussed during a meeting between the Minister of Education and representatives of examination bodies held on March 31, 2026.

Following the meeting, the minister directed WAEC and NECO to adopt a uniform examination fee for the Senior School Certificate Examination.

The statement said the approved fee of N50,000 per candidate will take effect from the 2027 NECO Senior School Certificate Examination (Internal) and is expected to apply to WAEC examinations as well.

The new fee represents an increase of approximately 82 percent over the current registration cost.

Education officials said the directive should be communicated to all relevant stakeholders to ensure adequate preparation before implementation begins.

The announcement is expected to generate reactions from parents, students, school owners and education advocates, especially amid concerns over the rising cost of education and the economic challenges facing many Nigerian households.

If implemented as approved, candidates registering for the 2027 WAEC and NECO Senior School Certificate Examinations will pay N50,000 each, making it one of the most significant fee adjustments in recent years.

“Your Maybach Can Wait” — First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Urges Burna Boy, Davido, Asake to Help Poor Nigerians

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on some of the country’s biggest music stars, including Burna Boy, Davido and Asake, to use their wealth and influence to support poor Nigerians through charitable foundations.

Speaking on Saturday in Lokoja, Kogi State, during the launch of the National Community Food Bank, the First Lady said celebrities have a role to play in easing the economic hardship facing many Nigerians.

She appealed directly to the entertainers to establish foundations that would provide support for vulnerable people across the country.

“I want to appeal to our young ones in the entertainment industry. I’ve mentioned it before, and I will use Akon, a music icon who does a lot of great charity work.

“The Burna Boys of this world, Asake, all of them, Davido. We want to see you with one foundation or the other, helping the poor with your money.”

Oluremi Tinubu acknowledged that enjoying the rewards of success is not wrong but encouraged the musicians to balance luxury with philanthropy.

“Good cars are good; a Maybach is good. Rolls-Royce is good, but still you can help. The burden on the government is huge,” she said.

She added that support for struggling traders, including pepper sellers, vegetable sellers, melon sellers and other small business owners, could make a significant difference in many communities.

The First Lady also encouraged Nigerians not to look down on honest work, regardless of how small it may seem.

She recalled the story of a university graduate in Abuja who turned to selling akara after failing to secure white-collar employment.

According to her, the graduate later received support that helped him expand his business.

“There was once I read an article about a young graduate who said he didn’t get a job. He said he sells akara because he couldn’t get a job.

“We approached him, but I didn’t put my name to it. We equipped him more. He now has 12 workers working under him, and he’s doing very, very well.

“So our people should never despise jobs,” she said.

Her remarks come at a time when many Nigerians continue to grapple with rising living costs and economic challenges, with increasing calls for both government and private individuals to contribute to social welfare initiatives.

44 Kidnapped Oyo Pupils, Teachers Freed After One-Month Secret Security Operation, Army Reveals

 

The Nigerian Army has revealed how a month-long intelligence-led operation involving multiple security agencies led to the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Army said the victims regained their freedom on July 10 after what it described as a “carefully planned and executed” operation targeting the kidnappers’ network.

According to the statement, the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, and involved personnel from the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilantes.

The Army disclosed that the operation lasted for more than one month and focused on tracking the kidnappers’ leaders, dismantling their network and cutting off their logistics and support systems.

According to the military, security operatives also identified and raided several hideouts used by the suspects within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations across the country.

Several suspects were arrested during the operation in Oyo State and other parts of Nigeria.

The Army said the arrests disrupted the activities of the criminal group and mounted enough pressure on the kidnappers to release the 44 victims unconditionally.

Military authorities added that the operation was carefully planned to ensure that none of the abducted pupils or teachers was harmed during the rescue.

However, the Army confirmed that some security personnel sustained casualties during the operation but did not disclose the number of officers affected.

The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government.

The military also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic support for the operation and thanked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Defence Headquarters, Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, as well as other security agencies for their collaboration.

The Army further commended local hunters, Amotekun operatives, vigilantes and members of the public for providing useful information that contributed to the success of the operation.

It assured Nigerians that further operations would continue to ensure that all those involved in the kidnapping are arrested and brought to justice.

Father’s Girlfriend Allegedly Sets Two Sisters Ablaze After Late-Night Dispute, Family Prepares for Burial

Grief has engulfed the Kaffe community in Zaki-Biam Local Government Area of Benue State following the tragic deaths of two young sisters who allegedly lost their lives after a fire reportedly set by their father’s girlfriend.

The heartbreaking incident, which occurred in the early hours of July 6, has left residents in shock as the family prepares to lay the children to rest.

According to accounts from community sources, the suspect, identified as Mbayegh, allegedly visited the residence of the children’s father, Aondoyima Ierkwagh, and demanded to spend the night with him.

However, the request was reportedly declined, leading to an argument between the two.

A source familiar with the incident claimed the woman suspected that another woman was inside the house, a belief that allegedly fueled her anger.

According to the source, the children’s mother had travelled to a village in neighbouring Taraba State for farming activities, leaving their father at home with the two girls.

The source further alleged that the father locked his daughters inside a round hut before retiring to another hut for the night.

At about midnight, the suspect allegedly set the hut where the children were sleeping on fire, believing another woman was inside.

The two girls were reportedly trapped in the flames and were burnt beyond recognition before help could reach them.

The tragedy has sparked outrage within the community, with many residents calling for justice for the deceased children.

As preparations begin for their burial, sympathisers have continued to express grief over the devastating loss, describing the incident as one of the most horrifying family tragedies witnessed in the area in recent times.

Kemi Olunloyo Questions Official Account of Oriire Rescue, Raises Fresh Questions About Oyo Abduction Case

 Investigative journalist Dr. Kemi Olunloyo has questioned the Federal Government’s account of the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, arguing that several aspects of the operation remain unexplained.

In a statement shared on social media, Olunloyo disputed the official narrative that security forces carried out a successful rescue operation, claiming instead that there was no such operation. She did not provide evidence to support that assertion.

The Federal Government has maintained that the victims were rescued during a coordinated operation involving the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while others were neutralised.

President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde have both commended the security agencies for the rescue and described the operation as a major breakthrough.

However, Olunloyo argued that several unanswered questions warrant closer scrutiny.

Among the issues she raised were why photographs released after the rescue appeared to show fewer people than the total number reportedly abducted, why the rescued pupils were not seen wearing school uniforms, why some of the alleged kidnappers had not been publicly presented, and why biscuits were distributed to the children shortly after their release.

She also questioned remarks made by the school principal during the reception of the rescued victims, suggesting the address appeared rehearsed.

Olunloyo’s comments have generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users calling for greater transparency from authorities, while others accused her of making allegations without presenting supporting evidence.

As of the time of this report, neither the Presidency nor the Oyo State Government had responded to the specific questions raised by Olunloyo.

The official position of the Federal Government remains that the victims were rescued through a security operation conducted after nearly two months in captivity, with several suspects arrested and others killed during the mission.

Shemariah Media has not independently verified the claims made by Dr. Olunloyo.

Aviation Minister Gives Peter Obi One Week to Apologise Over Airport Incident or Face FAAN Action

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development has asked NDC Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to publicly apologise to airport staff and pay a ₦25,000 fine over an alleged parking violation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, warning that further action could follow if he fails to comply within one week.

In a statement released on Friday, the minister said he ordered an internal review after Obi alleged that the tyres of his vehicle were unjustly clamped at the airport as part of what he described as a campaign of persecution against him.

According to the minister, the inquiry included a review of CCTV footage from the airport, which he said provided a detailed account of the incident.

He alleged that Obi arrived at the airport on July 4, 2026, and was dropped off at the domestic terminal before his police driver left the vehicle unattended in a designated drop-off zone.

The minister said airport regulations require drivers to remain with their vehicles in such areas, adding that the vehicle was left parked for about 30 minutes before airport officials clamped its tyres.

He further claimed that airport personnel did not know the vehicle belonged to Obi when they carried out the enforcement action.

According to the statement, Obi later spoke with the airport manager by telephone after his driver contacted him, and the vehicle was subsequently released without payment of the prescribed penalty.

The minister alleged that the release amounted to the use of influence to avoid the sanction ordinarily imposed for such violations.

He also rejected Obi’s earlier claim that the incident reflected political persecution, describing it instead as the enforcement of standard airport regulations.

The minister demanded that Obi publicly apologise to airport workers whom he said were unfairly accused while performing their duties.

He also called on the former Anambra State governor to voluntarily return to the airport and pay the ₦25,000 fine for the alleged parking offence.

The minister warned that if the demands are not met within one week, he would direct the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to take further action in accordance with its regulations.

As of the time of filing this report, Peter Obi had not publicly responded to the minister’s latest statement.

The controversy follows Obi’s earlier allegation that his vehicle was unfairly targeted at the airport, a claim that generated widespread political debate before the Federal Government’s latest response.

While Others Celebrate, One Oyo Family Is Still Mourning—The Heartbreaking Story of Teacher Michael Oyedokun

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has attributed the release of journalist Zainab Sodiq from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to sustained public pressure from Nigerians, civil society groups, lawyers and international organisations.

Sowore announced the journalist’s release on Friday, describing it as a victory for collective action against what he called repression.

“We have good news! Ms. Zainab Sodiq is finally free from the grip of repression,” Sowore said in a statement made available to Shemariah Media.

According to him, the campaign for Sodiq’s freedom gained momentum through the efforts of individuals and organisations that demanded her release and challenged her continued detention.

He specifically acknowledged the interventions of senior advocate Femi Falana (SAN), International Press Institute (IPI) President Musikilu Mojeed, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, Amnesty International, activists of the Take It Back Movement, journalists, civil society organisations and Nigerians who spoke out against the detention.

“To everyone who raised their voice, made calls, demanded justice, and stood firmly against repression: Thank you!” Sowore said.

He added that Sodiq’s release demonstrated the power of citizens acting together to defend fundamental rights.

“When people of conscience unite and stand against injustice, repression can be defeated,” he stated.

Sodiq’s detention drew national attention after Sowore alleged that she was arrested because she covered his daily activities as a journalist. The DSS, however, maintained that she was being investigated over the possession of a drone without the required authorisation, insisting that its actions were in line with national security regulations governing the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles.

The conflicting accounts triggered widespread debate, with media organisations, legal practitioners, rights groups and press freedom advocates calling for transparency and respect for due process.

Although Sodiq has now regained her freedom, questions remain over the circumstances surrounding her detention and whether the investigation referenced by the DSS has been concluded.

The agency has yet to issue a statement following her release.

The development marks the latest chapter in a case that has sparked renewed conversations about press freedom, national security and the rights of journalists in Nigeria.

How Public Pressure Helped Secure Zainab Sodiq’s Release, According to Sowore

Journalist Zainab Sodiq has regained her freedom after spending days in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), marking a significant development in a case that attracted widespread public attention and concerns over press freedom.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore announced her release in a statement on Friday, describing it as “good news” and thanking Nigerians, journalists, lawyers, civil society organisations and international groups who spoke out against her detention.

“We have good news! Ms. Zainab Sadiq is finally free from the grip of repression!” Sowore wrote.

According to him, Sodiq’s release followed sustained public pressure from Nigerians both within and outside the country, as well as interventions by prominent individuals and organisations.

Among those he acknowledged were senior lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), President of the International Press Institute (IPI), Musikilu Mojeed, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, Amnesty International, the Take It Back (TIB) Movement, journalists, civil society organisations and other Nigerians who demanded her release.

“To everyone who raised their voice, made calls, demanded justice, and stood firmly against repression: Thank you!” Sowore said.

He added that the development demonstrated the impact of collective action in defending fundamental rights and challenging what he described as repression.

“When people of conscience unite and stand against injustice, repression can be defeated,” he stated while welcoming the journalist back.

Sodiq’s detention had generated national debate after Sowore alleged she was arrested because of her work covering his activities. The Department of State Services, however, maintained that she was being investigated over the possession of a drone without the required authorisation, insisting that its actions were in line with national security regulations.

The differing accounts sparked reactions from media organisations, legal practitioners, human rights advocates and press freedom groups, many of whom called for transparency and due process.

Although Zainab Sodiq has now been released, neither the DSS nor the Federal Government has publicly disclosed whether any charges will be filed or whether the investigation referenced by the agency has been concluded.

Shemariah Media will continue to monitor the matter and provide updates if further official statements are issued.