BANNER NEWS

Month: June 2026

  • Robbery Convicts Face Gallows Over Attack on Akure Gas Firm

    Robbery Convicts Face Gallows Over Attack on Akure Gas Firm

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter,, Akure

    An Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure has sentenced three men — Uche Onu, Ekene Okorie and Celestine Eze — to death by hanging after finding them guilty of armed robbery.

    The convicts were arraigned on charges of conspiracy and armed robbery, offences punishable under the Armed Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The prosecution told the court that the defendants carried out a robbery operation at Gasland Nigeria Limited in Akure on April 25, 2024, at about 3 a.m., carting away gas cylinders and a vehicle belonging to the company.

    During the incident, the robbers reportedly overpowered the security guard on duty and struck him on the head with an iron bar before escaping with the stolen items.

    Investigations later led to the arrest of the first and second defendants in Benin City, where they were allegedly found in possession of the stolen vehicle and could not provide a satisfactory explanation of how it was acquired.

    The prosecution further stated that information obtained from the suspects led to the arrest of the third defendant, Celestine Eze, who was accused of masterminding the operation.

    The second defendant was also said to have assisted detectives in recovering the empty gas cylinders in Lagos State, although efforts to apprehend other members of the gang proved unsuccessful.

    In their defence, the three defendants denied involvement in the crime. Uche Onu claimed he was arrested in Onitsha while working as a scavenger, while Ekene Okorie said he was apprehended near a workshop in Anambra State. Celestine Eze told the court he was arrested in Onitsha, where he worked as an electrician.

    Delivering judgment, Justice William Olamide held that the prosecution had established beyond reasonable doubt that an armed robbery occurred and that the perpetrators were armed during the operation.

    The judge ruled that the evidence before the court clearly showed that the defendants acted in concert and shared a common intention to commit the crime, thereby proving the charges against them.

    Justice Olamide consequently convicted the three men and sentenced them to seven years imprisonment on the charge of conspiracy. He also sentenced them to death by hanging for the offence of armed robbery.

     

  • After Campus Killing, PAAU Arrests Two Alleged Cult Members

    After Campus Killing, PAAU Arrests Two Alleged Cult Members

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Lokoja

    The management of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has arrested two suspected cultists as part of intensified efforts to curb cult-related activities and restore security on campus.

    The suspects, identified as Fidelis Atuluku (Matric No. 2026SE1252) and Monday Okolo (Matric No. 2026SE1247), are 100-level students of the Department of Social Studies Education in the Faculty of Education.

    They were reportedly apprehended on Tuesday by the university’s joint security team following intelligence reports linking them to cult-related activities within the institution.

    According to reports, security operatives acted on a tip-off, tracked the suspects and arrested them while they were allegedly in possession of charms on campus.

    The university’s spokesperson, Mrs Uredo Omale, confirmed the arrests in a statement, saying the institution remains committed to ridding the campus of cultism and other criminal activities.

    She disclosed that the two students allegedly confessed to being members of the Juris Confraternity and claimed they were initiated before gaining admission into the university.

    Omale added that the suspects would be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and possible prosecution.

    Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, reiterated the university’s determination to sustain its campaign against cultism until peace and order are fully restored on campus.

    He urged parents and guardians to monitor their children and wards closely and pay attention to the company they keep to prevent them from being drawn into cultism and other criminal activities.

    The Vice-Chancellor further revealed that the institution has commenced the profiling of students who voluntarily identify themselves as cult members, requiring them to sign undertakings renouncing such associations and pledging good conduct.

    Professor Usman also called on students to support the university’s efforts to maintain a peaceful, secure and conducive learning environment for academic activities.

    The latest arrests come weeks after a student identified as Dior was reportedly killed in a cult-related incident on the campus, a development that heightened concerns over student safety and prompted renewed security measures by the university authorities.

     

  • Police Nab Suspected Arms Trafficker With 174 Rounds of AK-47 Ammunition in Nasarawa

    Police Nab Suspected Arms Trafficker With 174 Rounds of AK-47 Ammunition in Nasarawa

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Lafia
    Operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command have arrested a suspected arms trafficker and recovered 174 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition during a patrol operation along the Toto–Abaji Road.
    The arrest, which took place on June 22, 2026, was carried out by officers attached to the Toto Division as part of the command’s ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and strengthen public safety across the state.
    The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Lafia, noting that the suspect, identified as Abubakar Abdullahi, was intercepted during a routine patrol.
    According to the police spokesman, a thorough search of the suspect led to the recovery of 174 rounds of AK-47 ammunition concealed in his possession.
    Nansel said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the source, ownership, or intended destination of the ammunition.
    He added that the suspect is currently in police custody while investigators intensify efforts to unravel the network behind the illegal movement of the ammunition and apprehend other accomplices.
    The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, reiterated the command’s determination to combat all forms of criminality, particularly the unlawful circulation of arms and ammunition.
    Mohammed warned criminals operating within the state to abandon their illegal activities or face decisive action, stressing that the police have stepped up intelligence gathering, surveillance operations and strategic deployments.
    “There will be no safe haven for criminals in Nasarawa State. We are determined to identify, track and bring every offender to justice,” the police commissioner stated.
    He assured residents of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging them to remain law-abiding and continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.
    The commissioner further emphasized that the Nasarawa State Police Command remains committed to a zero-tolerance stance against crime and will continue to deploy all lawful measures to ensure the safety and well-being of residents across the state.

  • EFCC steps into family dispute over former C/River guber candidate’s property

    EFCC steps into family dispute over former C/River guber candidate’s property

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intervened in a dispute among the children of late Cross River elder statesman, secretary to government and former governorship candidate, Chief Wilfred Oden Inah, over the alleged sale of a family property in Calabar.

    The anti-graft agency reportedly invited the deceased politician’s eldest son, Maurice Inah, to provide explanations regarding the transaction, which some of his siblings insist was carried out without their knowledge or consent.

    Sources familiar with the matter said that Maurice was initially detained by the commission but has allegedly failed to honour subsequent invitations, citing ill health.

    According to family sources, the EFCC became involved after some of Chief Inah’s children petitioned authorities over the sale of the property, which they claim was contrary to their late father’s wishes and intended family arrangements.

    The disputed property, located at No. 63 Ibom Layout, Calabar, is said to have been sold to one Emmanuel Emele for N100 million.

    The property reportedly comprises a block of four flats and a sizeable expanse of land.

    One of the deceased politician’s sons, Ofem Inah, alleged that the sale was carried out unilaterally and at a value far below the property’s market worth.

    He maintained that their late father had expressly directed that the property should remain within the family and not be sold.

    “Our father’s position on the property was clear. Though not contained in a written will, he made his wishes known to all his children. The property was meant to remain in the family and was never to be sold,” Ofem said.

    He further claimed that Chief Inah had intended each of his children to inherit a flat in the building, while Maurice, as the eldest son, was allocated the surrounding vacant land for development. According to him, the siblings were shocked by the alleged sale, particularly as they estimate the property’s value at between N300 million and N400 million.

    Also speaking, Mildred Ikheloa (née Inah) said the family was seeking justice and the enforcement of their late father’s wishes.

    She called for the property to be returned to the family, arguing that the buyer should be refunded the money paid for the transaction.

    When contacted, Maurice Inah neither confirmed nor denied allegations that he sold the property without the consent of his siblings or that he had been collecting rent from other family properties.

    He described the matter as a family issue and said he would provide a detailed account at a later date.

     

  • Otu Seeks Greater Local Content as Lafarge Africa Rebrands to HBM Nigeria Plc

    Otu Seeks Greater Local Content as Lafarge Africa Rebrands to HBM Nigeria Plc

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has urged HBM Nigeria Plc, formerly Lafarge Africa Plc, to deepen its investment in the state through increased local content participation, expanded corporate social responsibility programmes and greater employment opportunities for qualified Cross Riverians.

    The governor, represented by Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, made the call during the official unveiling of the company’s new corporate identity, HBM Nigeria Plc, at the Lagos Continental Hotel on Sunday.

    The rebranding marks a major milestone in the company’s transformation following its integration into the Huaxin Building Materials Group of China. Company officials said the transition aligns the business with its new global ownership structure while preserving its longstanding commitment to Nigeria’s economic growth and infrastructure development.

    Speaking at the event, Odey described Cross River as a longstanding partner of the company and noted that the cement plant located in the state remains the largest cement production facility in Nigeria by size, contributing significantly to industrial growth, job creation and economic development.

    He assured the new investors that Cross River possesses vast deposits of limestone and other cement-producing raw materials, stressing that the state has the geological capacity to support substantial expansion in cement production and related industrial activities.

    The deputy governor urged HBM Nigeria Plc to prioritise local sourcing of materials, engage indigenous contractors and service providers, and create pathways for qualified Cross Riverians to occupy management positions. He also advocated career development and mentorship programmes aimed at strengthening local leadership capacity within the organisation.

    Odey further called for increased corporate social responsibility initiatives, including investments in education, healthcare, road infrastructure, environmental sustainability and community development projects that directly benefit host communities.

    He reaffirmed the commitment of the Otu administration to maintaining a secure and business-friendly environment through infrastructure development, reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks and strategic partnerships designed to attract and retain investors.

    In his remarks, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HBM Nigeria Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said the new corporate identity signals a forward-looking phase for the company, driven by operational excellence, innovation, sustainability and long-term value creation.

    According to him, while the company’s name has changed, its commitment to delivering quality cement, concrete, aggregates and innovative building solutions remains unchanged. He added that the transition would be implemented in phases nationwide to ensure seamless business continuity, sustained investments and stronger value creation for stakeholders.

    Chairman of HBM Nigeria Plc, Gbenga Oyebode, expressed confidence that the rebranded company would continue to create sustainable value for shareholders, strengthen stakeholder trust and deliver on its long-term ambitions.

    He commended shareholders, management and employees for their support throughout the transition process.

    Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, also praised the company for its contributions to Nigeria’s infrastructure development, describing its products as reliable and of high quality.

    The unveiling attracted government officials, traditional rulers, industry leaders and other stakeholders from across the country, signalling the beginning of a new chapter for one of Nigeria’s leading building solutions companies.

  • Nine-Year-Old Abducted In Ondo Regains Freedom

    Nine-Year-Old Abducted In Ondo Regains Freedom

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Akure

    A nine-year-old boy, Victor Oluwatobi, who was abducted by gunmen in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, has been rescued after spending three weeks in captivity.

    The child, who is the son of a pastor, regained his freedom on Sunday following a coordinated operation by security agencies and was subsequently reunited with his family.

    Victor was kidnapped on June 5, 2026, when armed men invaded Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun. During the attack, the gunmen reportedly damaged two buildings while attempting to abduct a landlord, who managed to escape.

    Amid the confusion that followed, Pastor Oluwatobi was unable to evacuate all his children to safety, leaving the young Victor asleep in the house. The attackers seized the opportunity and whisked him away.

    Following the abduction, the Ondo State Government launched a joint security operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Police, the Amotekun Corps and local vigilante groups.

    Security operatives combed forests and neighbouring communities in an intensive search effort aimed at securing the boy’s release.

    Their persistence paid off on Sunday when the child was rescued unharmed and returned to his family, bringing relief to residents of Idogun and surrounding communities.

    Many residents have since commended the state government and security agencies for their commitment and determination in ensuring the safe return of the victim.

    Confirming the development, the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, praised the security personnel and other stakeholders whose efforts contributed to the successful rescue operation.

  • Pregnant Woman, Young Man Shot Dead In Plateau Community

    Pregnant Woman, Young Man Shot Dead In Plateau Community

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter

    Gunmen have killed a pregnant woman and a young man in a late-night attack on Dyan community in Rim District of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, deepening concerns over renewed violence in the area.

    Community sources said the attackers stormed the settlement at about 10 p.m. on Friday and opened fire on residents, triggering panic as people fled for safety.

    The victims were identified as Mrs. Happiness Pam, 32, who was pregnant, and Daniel Luka, 24.

    The latest killings have drawn condemnation from the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), which described the attack as brutal, senseless and a threat to peace in Plateau communities.

    In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rwang Tengwong, the group said it received news of the attack with shock and sadness, lamenting what it described as persistent violence in Riyom and other parts of the state.

    “It is heartbreaking that a pregnant woman carrying the hope of a family and an innocent young man with a promising future became victims of yet another senseless act of violence,” the association stated.

    According to BYM, the killings represent not only an attack on the victims but also an assault on the peace, security and humanity of the affected communities.

    The group extended condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Dyan community, Rim District and the entire Riyom Local Government Area, while calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to track down and prosecute those responsible.

    BYM also urged the Federal Government and the Plateau State Government to take proactive steps to strengthen security and protect vulnerable communities from recurring attacks.

    The association further expressed concern over the reported abduction of two drivers along the Kassa axis of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. According to the group, the victims were intercepted and taken away by armed men while travelling through the area at about 10 p.m. on Thursday.

    It appealed to security agencies to intensify rescue operations and strengthen surveillance along major road corridors across affected communities, while advising residents to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary late-night travel on vulnerable routes.

    The latest incident is one of several deadly attacks recorded in parts of Plateau State in recent weeks, raising fresh concerns over the security situation in the North-Central state.

    Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the command had yet to respond to enquiries as of press time.

  • Families Homeless As Fire Guts Residential Apartments In Bayelsa

    Families Homeless As Fire Guts Residential Apartments In Bayelsa

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Yenagoa

    Several families have been rendered homeless after a fire outbreak gutted a residential building along Baybridge Road in the Kpansia area of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

    The early morning inferno, which occurred on Friday, destroyed apartments and valuables worth millions of naira, leaving occupants counting their losses and scrambling for temporary shelter.

    Although the cause of the fire had not been officially established as of press time, residents suspected that an electrical fault may have triggered the blaze.

    Witnesses said the fire spread rapidly through parts of the building, forcing residents to flee for safety. They credited the swift response of personnel of the Fire Service, the Police and neighbours with preventing the flames from spreading to adjoining structures.

    One of the victims, Mrs Douye Josephine Yallah, who sustained injuries during the incident, said the fire broke out at about 9 a.m. and destroyed property accumulated over many years.

    The devastated mother said the incident had left her family homeless and uncertain about where to begin rebuilding their lives.

    Another victim, Miss Blessing Sobotie, and a resident of the area, Pastor Ezekiel Oteigbanyon, recalled hearing a loud sound before smoke began billowing from the rooftop. According to them, an alarm was immediately raised, attracting residents who joined efforts to contain the fire before emergency responders arrived.

    Describing the destruction as extensive, Sobotie appealed to government, corporate organisations and public-spirited individuals to assist affected families.

    Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has since expressed sympathy with the victims and ordered a full investigation into the incident. Represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, the governor visited the scene alongside top government officials, including the State Commissioner of Police, CP Daniel Iyamah, and the Comptroller of the Federal Fire Service in the state, Mr Diton Amos.

    Speaking after an on-the-spot assessment, Akpe described the incident as unfortunate but thanked God that no lives were lost. He commended emergency responders and residents for their prompt action, noting that the disaster could have assumed far greater proportions.

    He said the government had directed security and emergency agencies to determine the exact cause of the fire and ascertain whether it resulted from an electrical fault or any other factor. He added that electricity supply to the affected area would remain disconnected pending the outcome of investigations.

    The Commissioner of Police, CP Daniel Iyamah, said officers were immediately deployed to secure the area after receiving distress calls, adding that investigations were ongoing.

    Also speaking, the Director-General of the Bayelsa State Emergency Management Agency (BYSEMA), Hon. Walamam Samuel Igrubia, assured victims that the agency had begun compiling details of those affected and assessing the extent of damage.

    While expressing sadness over the incident, Igrubia said the agency would work with relevant authorities to provide support to victims, stressing that the fact that no life was lost remained the greatest consolation.

  • Police Kill Suspected Kidnap Kingpin, Rescue Victim In Kebbi

    Police Kill Suspected Kidnap Kingpin, Rescue Victim In Kebbi

     

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter

    The Kebbi State Police Command has killed a suspected kidnap gang leader and arrested another member during a joint security operation in Bagudo Local Government Area of the state.

    The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said the operation followed the arrest of a suspected gang member who subsequently led security operatives to the group’s hideout.

    According to the police spokesman, the suspected gang leader, identified as Jiji Mujugu, attempted to flee during the operation and opened fire on the security team. The operatives responded, fatally wounding him in the exchange.

    Usman said another suspected gang member, Bube Tukur, was arrested at the hideout, while efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the criminal network.

    Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased kingpin and the arrested suspect belonged to an eight-man kidnapping gang that had been terrorising several communities in Bagudo and adjoining areas.

    The police said the gang was linked to a series of abductions and violent crimes in Geza, Adawa, Matsinkai, Sharabi, Illela, Suru and Dakin Gari communities.

    The command further disclosed that the gang was responsible for the abduction of a prominent resident, Alhaji Abu Geza, from Geza Village.

    Usman said security operatives successfully rescued the victim during the raid on the hideout.

    He added that a locally fabricated pistol and a live cartridge were recovered from one of the suspects, while investigations continue to apprehend the remaining gang members.

  • Oyebanji Secures Massive Re-Election Victory In Ekiti

    Oyebanji Secures Massive Re-Election Victory In Ekiti

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter

    Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has secured a resounding second-term victory after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him winner of the June 20, 2026 governorship election.

    Announcing the result on Sunday, the State Returning Officer and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, said Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) satisfied all legal requirements and scored the highest number of votes cast.

    According to the official results, Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Chief Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 40,543 votes. The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Amb. Dare Bejide, came third with 12,872 votes, while Accord Party’s Opeyemi Falegan finished fourth with 564 votes.

    Prof. Oladiji declared: “That Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of the APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected.”

    INEC said the election recorded 988,252 registered voters, with 384,940 accredited voters. A total of 382,109 votes were cast, comprising 375,777 valid votes and 6,332 rejected ballots.

    Reacting to his victory, Oyebanji described the overwhelming mandate as a renewed call to service and pledged to govern with humility, compassion and the fear of God.

    “I have a proper understanding of the responsibility that this victory has placed on my shoulders. It is a responsibility of service — service to the people of Ekiti State. I want to assure our people that we will continue to serve them with courage, compassion, humility and the fear of God,” he said.

    The governor thanked Ekiti voters for renewing their confidence in his administration and assured them of improved performance in his second term.

    He said his government would continue implementing its development blueprint while remaining open to emerging priorities that could further accelerate the state’s growth and improve the welfare of residents.

    “Our focus remains the comprehensive implementation of our development agenda for the benefit of all Ekiti people,” Oyebanji added.