Police nab suspected kidnappers, rescue victim in Ondo

The Police Command in Ondo State says it has nabbed a suspected kidnapper and rescued a victim in Isua-Akoko, Akoko South-East Local Government Area of the state.

DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the Command’s spokesperson, who made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Akure, said the arrest was made on April 10.

According to Jimoh, one Ahmadu reported at the Isua division that two young men had gone to Ipesi Akoko for cattle rearing, but one of them did not return home.

“Acting on the report, the police immediately initiated a coordinated intelligence-driven operation, which led to the successful rescue of the kidnapped victim.

“The victim narrated that he was abducted at night by three suspected kidnappers. During the incident, while trying to resist his captors, he inflicted a head injury on one of the suspects.

“Acting swiftly on credible information obtained from the victim, operatives of the Isua division mobilised and stormed Obasanjo Motor Park, Isua, at about 0609hrs, where a suspicious individual with a visible head injury was apprehended

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being part of the kidnapping gang. The victim later, positively identified the suspect, particularly noting the injury inflicted on him,” he said.

The spokesperson explained that the victim had been taken to the hospital for medical attention, while the suspect was transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further investigation.

According to him, the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.

He also said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, appreciated the timely, credible, and actionable information provided by members of the public.

He said collaborative efforts remained vital in combating crime and criminality.

“The CP commends the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his continuous support and strategic guidance, which has significantly enhanced operational effectiveness in the command.

“The command reiterates its unwavering commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across Ondo State.

“It also urges residents to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with timely and useful information,” he said.

Ajimobi’s wife denies alleged role in plot to impeach Makinde

A former First Lady of Oyo State and ambassador-designate to Austria, Dr. Florence Ajimobi, has denied allegations linking her to financial inducements allegedly aimed at influencing members of the Oyo State House of Assembly to impeach Governor Seyi Makinde.

In a statement issued by her media office, Ajimobi described the claims as entirely false, baseless and a deliberate act of disinformation intended to tarnish her image, undermine her reputation and mislead the public.

Her reaction followed separate denials by lawmakers, including Hon. Gbenga Oyekola and the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Abiodun Mohammed Fadeyi, who distanced themselves from any alleged plot to destabilise the state government or receive inducements from political figures.

Ajimobi also dismissed claims that she hosted or attended any meeting in Lagos or elsewhere where plans to influence the State Assembly were discussed.

Part of the statement read, “At no time did Ambassador Ajimobi convene, attend or participate in any such meeting with any individual or group for the purpose of discussing impeachment or destabilising the Oyo State Government.”

She maintained that efforts to link her to the allegations amount to malicious political propaganda designed to bring her into disrepute, particularly among the people of Oyo State and beyond.

“Activities of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State are of no concern to me. Linking me to such a plot could only be borne out of mischief and deliberate reverse propaganda to malign my reputation”.

Reaffirming her commitment to peace and democratic values, Mrs. Ajimobi stressed that she has never been involved in activities capable of undermining the stability of the state.

The statement urged the public to disregard the reports, warning that the spread of false information could generate unnecessary political tension and this would be legally further addressed if not retracted. 

Olubadan Ladoja reacts to alleged plot to unseat Makinde

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has dismissed claims linking him to an alleged plan to unseat Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, the monarch described the allegation as false and urged those behind it not to drag the Olubadan throne into political controversies.

The statement reads partly, “The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has refuted claims that Kabiyesi was planning to unseat the Oyo State Governor, His Excellency, Engr Seyi Makinde. To say the least, this is a lie.”

The reaction comes amid recent reports of alleged controversy involving both the governor and the monarch over claims of a separate plot to remove Ladoja from the Olubadan stool.

Tribune Online reports that both leaders had earlier dismissed the allegation as baseless, while criticising former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, who made the claim publicly.

Fayose had alleged that the Oyo State Government was planning to dethrone the monarch and sanction him over his absence at the elevation ceremony of High Chief Sharafadeen Ali in Ibadan.

However, the Oyo State Government, through the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, denied the claim, stating that no such move had been considered or discussed.

Addressing the fresh allegation, Ladoja maintained that a traditional ruler has no constitutional authority to remove a sitting governor, noting that even the impeachment of a local government chairman is beyond the powers of a monarch.

He also raised concerns over what he described as conflicting narratives surrounding the issue, coming shortly after the earlier claim involving the Olubadan stool and the state government. 

Boko Haram Attack: Tinubu confirms identity of killed Army General, weeps over him and his gallant troops

President Bola Tinubu yesterday evening, Thursday, April 9, 2026, confirmed the identity of the Nigerian Army General who made the supreme sacrifice alongside several of his soldiers during a recent Boko Haram terrorist attack on the camp of the 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation HADIN KAI, in Benisheikh, Borno State.

The President in a statement his Spokesman Bayo Onanuga identified the slain Brigade Commander as Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, expressing sadness over his death and that of his troops who died in the terrorist attack. He also expressed heartfelt condolences to the military and the families of the soldiers, urging them to take heart in the face of the unfortunate loss.

The Defence Headquarters had earlier in the day confirmed the attack and the tragic loss of lives, which occurred in the early hours of yesterday.

President Tinubu praised “the courage and heroism of the soldiers who fought valiantly to repel the terrorists and ensure that Boko Haram could not overrun the communities the soldiers protect.”

While mourning the death of the gallant soldiers, President Tinubu urged the leadership of the Armed Forces and all soldiers on the frontline not to be discouraged, but to draw strength from the nation’s deep appreciation for their sacrifices.

His words: “From the reports I have received, our armed forces have been conducting sustained, intense land and air offensives against the insurgents, neutralising many of their fighters and commanders. The insurgents’ counterattack is a sign of desperation.

“I extend my condolences to the families of our gallant soldiers, led by Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of our country today in Borno State. The government will never forget their sacrifices. Their sacrifices will not be in vain. Because of the courage and dedication of our troops on the frontline, our resolve to defeat terrorism and all forms of violence across Nigeria is stronger than ever.

“I urge the Military High Command and our troops in all theatres of operation: Do not lose heart, do not be weary, do not be discouraged. Our officers and men should continue to serve with honour, courage, and patriotism. The government will always stand by the Armed Forces, provide more of the equipment needed and ensure the welfare of all who risk their lives for our safety.

“I urge Nigerians and the media to continue to support our Military in their relentless battle against insurgency and banditry. We should desist from celebrating or condoning the attacks against our troops. These soldiers are our heroes; unforgettable and irreplaceable.

"My condolences also go to the government and people of Borno State. The Federal Government will continue to work with the state government to achieve total victory and lasting peace.”

U.S. Embassy Abuja suspends visa appointments after security warnings

The United States Embassy Abuja has announced the suspension of visa appointments in the nation’s capital, directing affected applicants to await further instructions.

In a post on its official X handle, the embassy said, “U.S. Embassy Abuja is closed for visa appointments. Applicants should check their email for details on rescheduled appointments. Visa operations at U.S. Consulate General Lagos continue. American citizen services are available in emergencies and by appointment.”

The U.S. Embassy Abuja is closed for visa appointments. Applicants should check their email for details on rescheduled appointments. Visa operations at U.S. Consulate General Lagos continue. American citizen services are available in emergencies and by appointment. pic.twitter.com/BO45qePlRs

— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) April 9, 2026

The development comes amid heightened security concerns flagged by the United States Department of State, which has ordered the departure of non-essential staff and their family members from Abuja.

In a travel advisory issued on Wednesday, the department urged American citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria from April 8, 2026, citing risks including crime, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and limited healthcare services.

The advisory places Nigeria under “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while 23 states have been designated “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” indicating a further escalation in security concerns.

Despite the closure in Abuja, visa processing continues at the U.S. Consulate General Lagos, while emergency and appointment-based services remain available for American citizens.