The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerian youths to channel their creative energies into productive and legitimate ventures, rather than engaging in internet fraud and other corrupt practices. Olukoyede gave the charge on Thursday, May 21, 2026, during the inauguration of an Integrity Club at NAOWA College, Abuja. Represented by the EFCC’s Head of Public Interface Unit, Tony Orilade, the chairman described internet fraud as a reprehensible crime with no justification. He advised students to “channel their creative energies into useful engagements and not into dishonest and dubious means of cheating others of their resources,” stressing that penalties for economic crimes are severe. Olukoyede defined corruption as “the compromise of rules, regulations, policies, standards, and directive principles guiding a system,” as well as “the deliberate use of public opportunities, resources, and privileges for private gain.” He also educated students on offences under the EFCC’s mandate, including money laundering, embezzlement, forgery, advance fee fraud, contract scams, employment scams, land and property fraud, tax fraud, internet fraud, stealing, bribery, procurement fraud, and banking fraud. Speaking on the purpose of the Integrity Club, he said it aims to promote transparency, raise awareness about the dangers of corruption, instill accountability, encourage information sharing with the EFCC, and prepare students for leadership roles. “Every form of internet fraud—such as romance scams, business email compromise, hacking, impersonation, and forex scams—is a corrupt practice and must not be found among you,” he warned. Also speaking, the Head of Enlightenment and Re-Orientation Unit, Aisha Mohammed, encouraged students to take ownership of their future by resisting peer pressure and avoiding corrupt tendencies. She noted that the EFCC prioritizes prevention through public enlightenment and re-orientation. According to her, the Commission runs Integrity Clubs in primary and secondary schools and Zero Tolerance Clubs in tertiary institutions, while also partnering with the National Youth Service Corps, faith-based organisations, and civil society groups to promote ethical values. “You have to stay focused and pursue your aspirations,” she advised, adding that integrity is key to national development. “Your voice matters. You must contribute positively to your family, community, and Nigeria as a whole.” In his remarks, the Director of Administration at NAOWA College, F. E. Enenche, urged students to become responsible and morally upright leaders. He described the establishment of the Integrity Club as a vital step toward fostering a culture of transparency and accountability among young people, while commending the EFCC for its continued efforts in promoting integrity nationwide.

Colorado Democrats have formally censured Governor Jared Polis following his decision to commute the prison sentence of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, a prominent figure in election denial circles. The Colorado Democratic Party State Central Committee approved the censure on Wednesday, criticizing Polis for reducing Peters’ sentence. In a statement, the party argued that the move undermines accountability and sets a troubling precedent. “Reducing her sentence under pressure from Donald Trump is not justice,” the statement read. “It sends a message that election tampering may go unpunished for those with political connections. That is a dangerous and disappointing precedent.” As part of the censure, Polis has been barred from participating in official state Democratic Party events. The party also stated that the clemency decision does not reflect its values or commitment to democratic principles. In response, a spokesperson for the governor defended the decision, stating that Polis acted based on the facts of the case and his judgment of what was right. “Sometimes the right decision is not the most popular,” the spokesperson said, adding that democracy thrives on debate rather than suppression of differing views. The controversy stems from Polis’ broader clemency action last Friday, in which he granted 44 clemencies — including 35 pardons and nine commutations. Peters’ sentence was reduced from eight years and three months to four years and four-and-a-half months, making her eligible for parole on June 1, 2026. The executive order clarified that the commutation does not overturn her conviction. Peters was convicted in 2024 on multiple charges, including attempting to influence a public servant, conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, official misconduct, and failure to comply with state election procedures. Her case gained national attention following a 2021 voting system breach in Mesa County. Following the announcement, Donald Trump publicly supported Peters, posting “FREE TINA!” on Truth Social. Polis, in his clemency statement, acknowledged the weight of such decisions. “The clemency power is a serious responsibility,” he said. “It can offer a second chance to those who have made grave mistakes, but it often comes with controversy

Kayode Fayemi, former governor of Ekiti State, is set to deliver the keynote address at this year’s Thabo Mbeki Africa Day Lecture, focusing on rebuilding unity and strengthening institutions across the continent. The event, organised by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, is part of activities marking Africa Day, celebrated annually on May 25. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ahmad Sajoh, head of Fayemi’s media office, confirmed that the lecture will take place in Cape Town, South Africa. The invitation, signed by Thabo Mbeki, highlighted this year’s theme: “Rebuilding African Unity in an Age of Fragmentation: Sovereignty, Solidarity and the Renewal of Institutions.” According to Sajoh, the lecture has, for 16 years, served as a major platform for reflection, dialogue, and engagement on Africa’s development. The event is expected to attract prominent African leaders and intellectuals, including Benjamin Mkapa, Salim Ahmed Salim, Mahmood Mamdani, Abdoulaye Bathily, and Toyin Falola.

“The future of Nigeria’s information and creative economy cannot be discussed without RATTAWU. You are the bridge between government and the people, the custodians of our cultural memory, and the amplifiers of the Nigerian story,” he said. He further emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, labour unions, media professionals, and stakeholders in the creative industry. According to him, such synergy is essential to promote responsible communication while safeguarding Nigerians’ constitutional rights to lawful expression and constructive criticism. Describing RATTAWU as a vital institution in Nigeria’s media and cultural landscape, the Minister commended the union’s leadership under Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu for sustaining its vision, unity, and legacy over the years. He also assured the union that its requests and appeals had been received with understanding, adding that the government would continue to explore meaningful ways to support institutions contributing positively to the growth of the media and cultural sectors. Dignitaries present at the event included the Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos; Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Dr. Mohammed Bulama; Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace; Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo; and the Executive Director of Development SPECS Academy, Professor Okey Okechukwu, mni, alongside other senior government officials, media executives, labour leaders, and key stakeholders in the media and creative industry.

Samuel Ajose Withdraws from Lagos APC Guber Race, Backs Obafemi Hamzat Samuel Ajose, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, has withdrawn from the 2027 race and endorsed Obafemi Hamzat, the state’s deputy governor and the party’s consensus candidate. Speaking to supporters on Tuesday, Ajose described the decision as difficult but necessary for party unity and the overall interest of Lagos residents. “I know it is a very tough decision. I struggled with it overnight, but by morning, I had my peace,” he said. He added that his focus is on collective progress and revealed plans to join Hamzat’s campaign team in a key capacity. “In the interest of the party, I have decided to step down. I will support Dr Hamzat, and we will take up an important role in his campaign,” Ajose stated. Ajose’s withdrawal follows a similar move by Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), who also stepped down and endorsed Hamzat after President Bola Tinubu and Lagos APC leaders threw their weight behind the deputy governor. Speaking to supporters on Tuesday, Ajose described the decision as difficult but necessary for party unity and the overall interest of Lagos residents. “I know it is a very tough decision. I struggled with it overnight, but by morning, I had my peace,” he said. He added that his focus is on collective progress and revealed plans to join Hamzat’s campaign team in a key capacity. “In the interest of the party, I have decided to step down. I will support Dr Hamzat, and we will take up an important role in his campaign,” Ajose stated. Ajose’s withdrawal follows a similar move by Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), who also stepped down and endorsed Hamzat after President Bola Tinubu and Lagos APC leaders threw their weight behind the deputy governor.

A prosecution witness in the trial of former Kaduna governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has told a federal high court in Abuja that the national security adviser (NSA) confirmed the authenticity of a conversation referenced by the defendant during a television interview. Testifying before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Tuesday, the witness said el-Rufai had, during a 43-minute interview, claimed that a private conversation involving the NSA was intercepted and forwarded to him. According to the witness, investigators later questioned the NSA, who verbally confirmed that the conversation took place between him and the chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The ICPC chairman also reportedly confirmed the exchange after excerpts of the interview were played to him. The court heard that the television anchor, Charles Aniagolu; activist-lawyer, Deji Adeyanju; and the cameraman, Ugochukwu Agalayana, were all interviewed during the investigation. Aniagolu confirmed that el-Rufai stated in the interview that the NSA’s conversation had been intercepted and passed to him. The former governor also defended such interception, arguing that governments routinely monitor communications. Statements from Aniagolu and Adeyanju were admitted as exhibits, alongside Agalayana’s statement, in which he confirmed setting up the recording equipment but said he did not follow the discussion. The prosecution witness described el-Rufai’s remarks as an “open confession” and said investigators concluded that the alleged act could undermine national security, recommending prosecution. A preliminary report was also admitted in evidence. Under cross-examination, the witness admitted that investigators did not examine any of the NSA’s devices, obtain IP data, or conduct forensic analysis related to the alleged interception. He said such steps were deemed unnecessary after the NSA confirmed the conversation. He also acknowledged that el-Rufai did not claim he personally intercepted the communication but maintained that the former governor repeatedly insisted it had been tapped and sent to him. When asked if el-Rufai might have exaggerated during a politically charged interview, the witness said he considered him “a person of integrity” and believed his statements. The court adjourned further hearing to June 22 and 23.

U.S.-based missionary organization Serge confirmed that its doctor, Peter Stafford, contracted the Bundibugyo strain of the virus after treating patients at a local hospital. Two other missionaries who were also involved in patient care — including Stafford’s wife — have not shown symptoms and are currently under quarantine as health authorities respond to a growing outbreak in the region.

No fewer than 10 persons were injured on Monday morning after a Honda vehicle collided with two commercial tricycles along Ipaja Road, at the Federal Bus Stop area of Lagos State.The accident, which occurred around 8:50 a.m., involved a Honda car with registration number KTU 921 JY and two tricycles carrying passengers.Eyewitnesses said the female driver was allegedly speeding when she attempted to avoid hitting a street sweeper working with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). In the process, the vehicle reportedly struck the sweeper, veered off its lane, and crashed into the two oncoming tricycles.“The woman was speeding. She tried to dodge the LAWMA sweeper, but the vehicle hit the sweeper and crossed to the other side before hitting the tricycles,” an eyewitness recounted.The impact left the tricycles badly damaged and about 10 passengers with varying degrees of injuries. While some victims sustained serious injuries, others suffered minor wounds.The injured were initially taken to a nearby private hospital for emergency care, with some later transferred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, for further treatment.Security operatives, including officers from the Gowon Divisional Police Headquarters, neighbourhood watch officials, and personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), were on ground to manage traffic and assist in rescue operations.The incident caused temporary traffic congestion along the busy Ipaja Road as authorities worked to clear the wreckage.As of the time of filing this report, officials are yet to release an official statement on the incident.

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, and Katsina State House of Assembly Speaker Nasir Daura have emerged winners of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries in their respective states ahead of the 2027 general elections. Barau secured the APC ticket for Kano North Senatorial District through a consensus affirmation held in Bichi LGA, with party members unanimously endorsing his candidacy. In Kogi Central, Bello recorded a landslide victory, polling 72,399 votes across the five LGAs. His closest challengers, Ibrahim Yakubu Adoke and Momoh Yusuf Obaro, trailed far behind with 319 and 188 votes respectively. Bello is expected to face Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the general election. Meanwhile, in Katsina State, Daura defeated Ahmed Kabir to clinch the APC senatorial ticket for the Daura zone, which comprises 12 LGAs including Daura, Kankia, Mai’Adua, and Zango.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confirmed that the preservative used in BON Bread falls within internationally approved safety limits. The clarification follows a viral social media claim on April 13, 2026, where a blogger alleged that a loaf of bread remained mold-free for over two months. Although the brand was not initially identified, Food & Food Integrated Company Limited, producers of BON Bread, later responded and denied any wrongdoing. In response, NAFDAC launched an investigation to provide scientific clarification. The agency’s Greater FCT Directorate inspected the company’s bakery facility in Abuja on April 20, 2026, and also collected bread samples from the open market for laboratory analysis. According to NAFDAC, findings showed that calcium propionate—used as a preservative—was present in acceptable quantities consistent with the Codex Alimentarius (global food safety standards). The agency further confirmed that: No harmful substances were detected in the bread samples There was no presence of bromate or non-nutritive sweeteners The company has maintained compliance, with no history of penalties or product recalls since beginning operations in 2006 NAFDAC concluded that BON Bread is not in violation of any regulatory standards. The agency also advised the public to report product concerns through official channels rather than social media to ensure proper investigation.