The Federal High Court in Abuja Presided over by Judge Emeka Nwite on Wednesday, 3 June, 2026 convicted four men over their involvement in the 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State. Thegazellenews.com recalled that no fewer than 40 worshippers were killed and 140 others injured during the 5 June 2022 Sunday mass. The Federal Government prosecuted in the course of the trial five defendants – Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, 25; Al Qasim Idris, 20; Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26; Abdulhaleem Idris, 25; and Momoh Otuho Abubakar, 47. Justice Nwite delivered the judgment in the terrorism case after…
Author: Khadijah Olowode
Lagos State has emerged Nigeria’s best-performing sub-national in the 2025 State Performance Index (pSPI), leading other states by wide margins across all sectors. In a latest ranking released by Phillips Consulting Limited, Nigeria’s leading business and management consulting firm, Lagos is ranked number one in the National Assessment Report out of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja in the Overall pSPI Rank, based on continued strength across key governance and economic indicators. The 2025 State Performance Index (pSPI) identifies Lagos as Top Revenue Performer, stating that “Lagos ranks 1st in IGR per capita, per km², and…
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, 3 June, 2026, inaugurated the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the maiden edition of the National Intermediate Games (NIG), tagged ‘Lagos 2026’. Governor Sanwo-Olu charged the LOC members to approach the assignment with dedication, professionalism and a clear sense of purpose. Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of Lagos House, Marina, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the Local Organising Committee’s responsibility as a significant step towards advancing sports development in Nigeria. Governor Sanwo-Olu said the National Intermediate Games will provide a platform for young athletes across the country…
First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has inaugurated the Tinubu Torchbearers (TTB), the women arm of the grassroots mobilisation platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), reports thegazellenews.com At the inauguration ceremony, the First Lady said the initiative would help promote the Renewed Hope Agenda and strengthen support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid. Senator Oluremi Tinubu noted that the platform which was designed to represent commitment, patriotism, service, and the collective aspiration for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria underscores the importance of women to national development. “History has consistently shown that women are the backbone of thriving societies.…
The Ogun State Government has dismissed as false and unfounded reports circulating on social media and other platforms alleging that Fulani herdsmen, Boko Haram insurgents, and other terrorist groups are planning to invade the state. In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the government said available security intelligence and reports from relevant agencies indicate that Ogun State remains safe and secure. The government urged residents not to be distracted by misinformation designed to create panic and fear among the populace, stressing that there is no truth in claims…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola The family of former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has confirmed the abduction of his younger sister, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, alongside her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, describing the incident as distressing while urging calm and restraint as security agencies intensify rescue efforts. The family, through its media aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro, disclosed on Wednesday, 3 June, 2026 that the incident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. in Ibadan, Oyo State, when Mrs. John-Paul was reportedly attacked by armed gunmen while driving the…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola Gunmen have abducted Olaide John-Paul, younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her 12-year-old twin sons in Ibadan, Oyo State, prompting a swift security response. The incident occurred on Wednesday, 3 June, 2026 at about 7:30am while the 43-year-old was on her way to drop the children at school, according to a statement by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro. Awogboro said the victims identified as Peter and Paul were taken by armed men during the attack. “The abductors also forcefully took away her 12-year-old twin sons who were with her at the time…
President Bola Ahmed has sent a congratulatory message to Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on his election as Chairman of the United Nations General Assembly Fifth Committee on Budget and Administration. President Tinubu noted that the election of Senator Ibrahim is noteworthy at a particularly critical moment for the United Nations, as the world body navigates significant financial realignment while advancing critical institutional reforms to strengthen its effectiveness, accountability, and long-term sustainability. President Tinubu’s words: “Your election to chair this important committee within weeks of official resumption at the UN validates your wealth of experience…
A former Minister of Petroleum Resources and Foreign Affairs, Mr Henry Odein Ajumogobia, has advocated for the strengthening of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, as the arrowhead of development agencies in the Niger Delta region. Ajumogobia, who made the call as the keynote speaker at the NDDC Law and Development Summit in Port Harcourt, stressed the need to support the NDDC in its role as the central coordinating body among development partners in Nigeria’s oil-rich region. He lamented: “Rather than functioning as the central coordinating body, the NDDC has become one layer in a crowded ecosystem where responsibilities are…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola International Division 2 (America and South America Division) of Gospel Pillars Ministry has honoured Prophet Isaiah Macwealth on his 45th birthday, recognising his impact as a global spiritual leader, mentor and apostolic visionary. The commendation was conveyed in a message issued by the division on behalf of its leadership, partners and members across America, South America and other regions, marking the milestone and acknowledging his contributions to ministry and global outreach. The group noted that Prophet Macwealth’s ministry has been defined by sustained commitment to advancing the Christian faith, adding that his life reflects dedication to…
