A tragic and shocking incident has thrown a community in southeastern Nigeria into mourning, following the killing of a traditional ruler and his police escorts in a deadly ambush. The attack occurred in Imo State, at the boundary between Assa and Ochia communities in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area. The victim, Ochia Paulinus Ekwueme, a respected traditional ruler, was reportedly returning to his village from abroad when the incident took place on Friday night. According to sources within the community, the monarch had only just arrived in Owerri earlier that day before heading toward his hometown. Along the way, his convoy was ambushed by unknown gunmen in what appears to have been a carefully planned attack. The assailants opened fire on the vehicle, killing the monarch and the police officers assigned to protect him. In a particularly disturbing development, reports indicate that the attackers allegedly set the victims and their vehicle ablaze after the attack. A local source suggested that the operation may have involved insider information, stating that the attackers seemed aware of the monarch’s return. The incident has since left residents in shock, with many expressing grief over the loss of their traditional leader. Confirming the attack, the spokesperson of the Imo State Police Command stated that investigations are already underway. The Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate deployment of tactical teams to the area to restore calm and track down those responsible. Authorities have assured the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators, emphasizing that the security situation is being closely monitored. This tragic event underscores the growing security concerns in parts of the region, particularly the increasing cases of targeted attacks and violent ambushes. As investigations continue, the people of Ohaji/Egbema and beyond are left grappling with the loss and seeking answers to yet another act of violence.

Anthony Joshua has dismissed Tyson Fury’s invitation to join him in the ring, insisting no agreement has been reached for a potential bout. Speaking on Netflix, Joshua emphasized that proper negotiations must take place before any fight is confirmed. “There’s a negotiation that you go through. I’ve sat at this table with him many times,” Joshua said.“I’m not going to sit here and say, ‘Yeah, I’ll fight him.’ I’m not here to get clout. I’m here to fight. Contracts will be sent over. We’ll go through the nitty-gritty and you’ll probably see us in the ring next, more than likely. But I’m not here to start getting in the ring and shouting in someone’s face.” Despite Joshua’s stance, Netflix hinted on social media that the fight could take place later this autumn. The 80,000-seat Croke Park in Dublin has emerged as a possible venue for a September showdown, should Joshua, 36, opt against taking an interim warm-up fight. Efforts to arrange a clash between the two British heavyweights have repeatedly fallen through over the past six years. Talks were most recently delayed following Joshua’s involvement in a car accident in Nigeria in December, which tragically claimed the lives of two of his friends. While the fight may no longer carry the same stakes as when both men held world titles and first agreed to meet in June 2020, it is still widely expected to be the biggest boxing event of 2026.

UK Police Arraign Teenager Over Killing of Nigerian Boy The Metropolitan Police has announced that a 16-year-old suspect will be arraigned before a magistrates’ court over the killing of Nigerian teenager, Eghosa Ogbebor. According to authorities, the minor—whose identity is being withheld due to legal restrictions—was formally charged with murder on Friday, April 10. He is scheduled to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Saturday. Ogbebor, 14, a British-Nigerian, was fatally shot in the Woolwich area of London on April 3, an incident that led to the arrest of multiple teenagers. Police said officers initially responded to reports of a shooting at about 4 p.m. Emergency responders attempted to save the victim, but he was later pronounced dead at the scene. Further details revealed that the accused, from Romford, was first arrested on April 4 and released on bail before being re-arrested on April 9 and subsequently charged. In a statement, the police said:“A boy has been charged with murder over the shooting of 14-year-old Eghosa Ogbebor in Woolwich. “The 16-year-old, of Romford, was charged with murder on Friday, April 10, and will appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, April 11. “He was first arrested on Saturday, April 4, and released on bail. He was re-arrested on Thursday, April 9.” Authorities also confirmed that other individuals previously detained in connection with the case have been granted bail, while another suspect remains in custody. “Two boys, aged 14 and 16, and an 18-year-old man, who were arrested on April 3 in connection with Eghosa’s death, have been bailed while inquiries continue. “On Friday, April 10, a further 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.” Police added that the investigation is ongoing. Earlier, on April 4, officers arrested a 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man in Woolwich on suspicion of murder, as well as a 46-year-old man on suspicion of assisting an offender. All three were later released on bail.UK Police Arraign Teenager Over Killing of Nigerian Boy The Metropolitan Police has announced that a 16-year-old suspect will be arraigned before a magistrates’ court over the killing of Nigerian teenager, Eghosa Ogbebor. According to authorities, the minor—whose identity is being withheld due to legal restrictions—was formally charged with murder on Friday, April 10. He is scheduled to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Saturday. Ogbebor, 14, a British-Nigerian, was fatally shot in the Woolwich area of London on April 3, an incident that led to the arrest of multiple teenagers. Police said officers initially responded to reports of a shooting at about 4 p.m. Emergency responders attempted to save the victim, but he was later pronounced dead at the scene. Further details revealed that the accused, from Romford, was first arrested on April 4 and released on bail before being re-arrested on April 9 and subsequently charged. In a statement, the police said:“A boy has been charged with murder over the shooting of 14-year-old Eghosa Ogbebor in Woolwich. “The 16-year-old, of Romford, was charged with murder on Friday, April 10, and will appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, April 11. “He was first arrested on Saturday, April 4, and released on bail. He was re-arrested on Thursday, April 9.” Authorities also confirmed that other individuals previously detained in connection with the case have been granted bail, while another suspect remains in custody. “Two boys, aged 14 and 16, and an 18-year-old man, who were arrested on April 3 in connection with Eghosa’s death, have been bailed while inquiries continue. “On Friday, April 10, a further 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.” Police added that the investigation is ongoing. Earlier, on April 4, officers arrested a 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man in Woolwich on suspicion of murder, as well as a 46-year-old man on suspicion of assisting an offender. All three were later released on bail.UK Police Arraign Teenager Over Killing of Nigerian Boy The Metropolitan Police has announced that a 16-year-old suspect will be arraigned before a magistrates’ court over the killing of Nigerian teenager, Eghosa Ogbebor. According to authorities, the minor—whose identity is being withheld due to legal restrictions—was formally charged with murder on Friday, April 10. He is scheduled to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Saturday. Ogbebor, 14, a British-Nigerian, was fatally shot in the Woolwich area of London on April 3, an incident that led to the arrest of multiple teenagers. Police said officers initially responded to reports of a shooting at about 4 p.m. Emergency responders attempted to save the victim, but he was later pronounced dead at the scene. Further details revealed that the accused, from Romford, was first arrested on April 4 and released on bail before being re-arrested on April 9 and subsequently charged. In a statement, the police said:“A boy has been charged with murder over the shooting of 14-year-old Eghosa Ogbebor in Woolwich. “The 16-year-old, of Romford, was charged with murder on Friday, April 10, and will appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, April 11. “He was first arrested on Saturday, April 4, and released on bail. He was re-arrested on Thursday, April 9.” Authorities also confirmed that other individuals previously detained in connection with the case have been granted bail, while another suspect remains in custody. “Two boys, aged 14 and 16, and an 18-year-old man, who were arrested on April 3 in connection with Eghosa’s death, have been bailed while inquiries continue. “On Friday, April 10, a further 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.” Police added that the investigation is ongoing. Earlier, on April 4, officers arrested a 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man in Woolwich on suspicion of murder, as well as a 46-year-old man on suspicion of assisting an offender. All three were later released on bail.The Metropolitan Police has announced that a 16-year-old suspect will be arraigned before a magistrates’ court over the killing of Nigerian teenager, Eghosa Ogbebor. According to authorities, the minor—whose identity

A former senatorial candidate in Borno State, Babagana Habeeb, has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja for selling petrol to Boko Haram terrorists. The judgment was delivered on Friday by Justice Peter Lifu, following a one-count charge of aiding and abetting terrorism brought against the defendant by the Federal Government. Habeeb, a fuel dealer based in Maiduguri, had earlier pleaded guilty to selling petrol to the insurgents. However, he argued that his station attendants may have carried out the transactions without his direct involvement. During proceedings, the defendant reportedly knelt in court for nearly an hour, pleading for leniency. He told the court that his family had not been able to see or communicate with him for over 10 years. Counsel to the Federal Government, David Kaswe, opposed the plea for leniency. He argued that supplying fuel to Boko Haram significantly enabled their operations, including attacks that resulted in deaths and displacement of civilians. He urged the court to impose a 20-year sentence. In his ruling, Justice Lifu noted that there was no evidence linking Habeeb directly to membership in Boko Haram or involvement in weapons training. However, the court held that providing fuel to the group constituted material support for terrorism. The judge also acknowledged that the convict had already spent more than 10 years in detention, a claim not disputed by the prosecution. Consequently, the court sentenced Habeeb to 10 years imprisonment, ruling that the sentence would take effect from the date of his initial arrest and detention. The court further ordered that he be released immediately upon completion of the sentence and undergo rehabilitation.

The Kebbi State Police Command has launched a major security operation following coordinated bandit attacks in Shanga Local Government Area that killed at least 44 people. The attacks targeted several communities, including Gebe, Kalkami, Kawara, Kasoshi, Awaye, Tungar Rini, Binuwa, and Dabe. Authorities described the assault as a well-coordinated and premeditated operation by armed groups. In response, security forces intensified deployments across the state, focusing on forests, border regions, farmlands, and other areas suspected to be hideouts or transit routes for bandits. According to police spokesperson SP Bashir Usman, the operation—carried out under directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu—is already producing results and helping restore relative calm in affected communities. He added that joint security teams are conducting coordinated patrols and intelligence-driven stop-and-search operations in high-risk areas. In an early success, operatives recovered two AK-47 rifles along the Illo–Kamba axis, indicating progress in the crackdown. The Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities. Authorities emphasized that community cooperation will be critical to sustaining the operation, dismantling bandit networks, and preventing further attacks.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that examination slip printing for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is now available. Candidates are advised to print their slips and carefully check important details such as their examination venue, date, and time. The examination slip is a crucial document that contains all the necessary information required to sit for the exam. However, many Nigerians have taken to social media to express frustration over difficulties accessing the JAMB website following the activation of the slip printing portal. The UTME is a computer-based standardized examination conducted by JAMB for candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

A member of the Benue State House of Assembly, Peter Uche (APC/Guma I), has raised alarm over persistent attacks in his constituency, alleging that lives continue to be lost while farmlands are destroyed. Speaking in Makurdi on Friday, Uche said the security situation in his area remains dire, noting that the violence has displaced thousands of residents and left survivors struggling to cope. His constituency includes Yelewata, a community that witnessed a deadly attack in June 2025. According to him, the situation has not improved since then. “The insecurity is still very serious,” he said. “Just on Wednesday, innocent farmers were killed during an attack at Imande Dem.” Uche explained that he had been away attending a burial but planned to visit the affected communities to sympathise with grieving families. The lawmaker stressed that he has repeatedly brought the issue before the House, urging the state government—led by Hyacinth Alia—to take decisive action. He also highlighted what he described as a major concern: the continued movement of armed herders operating under open grazing, despite the state’s anti-open-grazing law. “It is disturbing that these attackers move freely with their cattle,” Uche said. “The law banning open grazing exists, yet it is not being enforced for reasons best known to the government.” While acknowledging that enforcement is beyond his authority, he maintained that he has consistently called on the government to act through legislative motions. Uche further urged residents in vulnerable communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies. Despite the ongoing challenges, he commended security forces for their efforts, even as he insisted that more decisive action is needed to restore safety and allow farmers to return to their lands.

Two residents of Akure—a mother and her daughter—have been killed by suspected gunmen in a violent attack that has left the community in shock. The incident occurred at Igushin via Ala, heightening fear and tension among residents of the area. Confirming the attack, the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, condemned the killings, describing them as both heinous and tragic. He disclosed that while the attackers killed two victims, police operatives were able to rescue two other individuals from suspected kidnappers during a swift and coordinated response. “The Ondo State Police Command strongly condemns the violent incident at Igushin via Ala, Akure, which led to the loss of two innocent lives,” Jimoh stated. “While two victims were successfully rescued, the Command expresses deep sorrow over the unfortunate deaths.” Jimoh assured residents that security has been intensified in the area, adding that efforts are underway to track down and apprehend those responsible. “The Command has put in place adequate security measures to safeguard lives and property. We assure the public that the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” he added. He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing timely and credible information .

The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced the suspension of visa appointments at its embassy in Abuja. The announcement was made via the mission’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday. According to the statement, applicants affected by the suspension are advised to check their email for updates regarding rescheduled appointments. “U.S. Embassy Abuja is closed for visa appointments. Applicants should check their email for details on rescheduled appointments,” the statement read. However, the mission clarified that visa services remain fully operational at the U.S. Consulate General Lagos. It also noted that services for American citizens are still available in emergency situations and by appointment. This development follows a broader security advisory issued by the United States Department of State, which recently authorised the departure of non-emergency staff from its Abuja embassy. The advisory also expanded its “Do Not Travel” list in Nigeria to include 23 states. While Nigeria remains under a Level 3 advisory—“Reconsider Travel”—the State Department warned of heightened risks in certain areas due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and limited access to quality healthcare. The advisory highlighted that U.S. citizens are often targets for kidnapping and robbery, while terrorist threats persist in public spaces such as markets, religious centres, hotels, and large gatherings. Concerns were also raised about the state of healthcare services, noting that hospitals frequently require upfront cash payments, ambulance services are unreliable, and blood supply systems are inconsistent. In serious cases, medical evacuation may be necessary. U.S. citizens in Nigeria were advised to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Programme (STEP), avoid large gatherings, vary daily routines, and maintain emergency evacuation plans independent of government assistance. The advisory also recommended establishing “proof of life” protocols with family members in case of kidnapping. The updated “Do Not Travel” list includes states such as Borno, Kogi, Yobe, and parts of Adamawa due to terrorism and kidnapping risks. Other states—including Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara—were flagged for banditry and communal violence. In the South-East and Niger Delta regions, states like Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt) were cited for crime, unrest, and kidnapping. Additionally, Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba were newly added to the highest-risk category, reflecting the spread of insecurity, particularly in the Middle Belt where farmer-herder conflicts continue to escalate. The advisory described the situation in these areas as volatile and unpredictable, warning that security operations may occur without prior notice.