₦airaland Forum

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three kidnappers who appeared in a viral video openly brandishing AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and walkie-talkies while dressed in military camouflage. The kidnappers are identified as Umar Babangida (25), Adamu Yeti (22), and Yahaya Idris (24), are all residents of Rijana, Kaduna State.

Confirming the development to journalists, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Sanusi, disclosed that he immediately ordered a forensic analysis to determine the origin of the footage and directed a manhunt for the suspects as soon as the video surfaced.

According to the Commissioner, digital forensic tracking and actionable intelligence led operatives to the suspects’ hideout. Acting on the intelligence, police operatives carried out a coordinated dawn raid at Runji Village in Zuba on May 25 at about 3:22 a.m., leading to the successful arrest of the suspects.

A Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, senatorial aspirant in Edo South, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinwa, has regretted leaving the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the NDC, saying it is like a movement from frying pan to fire.

Appearing on Arise News’ News Day on Friday afternoon, the former House of Representatives member claimed that he won the senatorial ticket in the primary election but is now being denied the opportunity to appear on the ballot.

The former governorship aspirant also said it was the national leader of the NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, that encouraged him to pick the senatorial expression of interest and nomination forms but has now denied ever speaking to him about it.

Agbonayinwa, who left the APC for the NDC, said, “I’ve moved from frying pan to hell fire. We had the direct primary after we couldn’t reach a consensus. They kept us in the room at the time with all other contestants for us to step down for each other, and we couldn’t do that.

“We went through rigorous processes. I understand that they are new, but I have never experienced this being with APC or being with PDP. Never. Where people were asked to go for primary… May 29 was the day the primary was conducted today is June 5 and elections have not been announced.

“The national leader of NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, a very good friend and a brother to me for many years. We are colleagues. He was the governor, now senator, a brother I respect dearly. When we were to leave NDC, I called him. He sent it to me and said, I should come to the house.

“I went to his house and he said, “Why can’t you go to the Senate under NDC? I say I will think about it, and for me, I was going for the House of Reps but when he offered that, I started thinking, I say I will consult with my leaders, which I did, and I told him, thank you. But to my greatest surprise, the same man who asked me to go and buy the form, this morning we had a meeting and he said he never said so.”

"Peter Obi ran away with 12 billion, from Labour Party. I'm challenging him, because we have the account. " — Labour Party National Vice Chairman (South-West) pic.twitter.com/9U0LdO54Kz

— TallJohn🌍 (@JohnFanimokun) June 5, 2026

PRESS RELEASE

OGUN POLICE COMMAND ARRESTS ANOTHER SUSPECT OVER FALSE SECURITY ALERT AND FAKE NEWS, WARNS AGAINST SPREAD OF MISINFORMATION

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested one Mr. Johnson Elleh for producing and circulating a misleading video falsely alleging… pic.twitter.com/T81GBBbbE7

— Ogun State Police Command (@OgunPoliceNG) June 4, 2026

Nigeria attracted $10.37 billion in capital importation in the first quarter of 2026, marking an 83.8% increase compared to the $5.64 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, as foreign investors ramped up purchases of money market instruments and bonds.

This is according to the latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Wednesday.

The data showed that capital inflows also rose by 61% quarter-on-quarter from $6.44 billion recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025, underscoring growing investor appetite for Nigerian financial assets.

What the report says

The report read, “In Q1 2026, total capital importation into Nigeria stood at $10.37 billion, higher than $5.64 billion recorded in Q1 2025, indicating an increase of 83.83%. In comparison to the preceding quarter, capital importation increased by 60.97% from $6.44 billion in Q4 2025.”

Portfolio investment remained the primary driver of capital importation during the quarter, accounting for $9.86 billion or 95.1% of total inflows.

The figure represents an 89.5% increase from the corresponding period of 2025 and a 79.8% rise from the previous quarter. Within the category, money market instruments attracted $6.50 billion, while investments in bonds stood at $3.23 billion. The two asset classes jointly accounted for over 98% of portfolio inflows.

In contrast, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) remained weak despite a marginal annual improvement. FDI inflows stood at $135.08 million, representing just 1.3% of total capital importation during the period. While this was 7% higher than the level recorded a year earlier, it declined by more than 62% from the previous quarter.

Other investments contributed $374.48 million, accounting for 3.6% of total inflows. Loans made up the bulk of this category at $364.43 million, while trade credits accounted for $10 million.

The latest figures highlight the continued preference of foreign investors for short-term financial assets over long-term productive investments in the economy.

Banking sector captures lion’s share
Sectoral analysis showed that the banking industry remained the biggest destination for foreign capital.

The sector attracted $7.55 billion, representing 72.8% of total capital imported into the country during the quarter. The financing sector followed with $2.43 billion or 23.4%, meaning the two sectors accounted for more than 96% of all inflows recorded during the period.

The production and manufacturing sector received $152.27 million, while investments in shares stood at $75.34 million.

Other sectors attracted significantly smaller amounts. Trading received $65.79 million, agriculture attracted $37.28 million, while information technology services recorded $11.33 million.

Telecommunications received $7.24 million.
Notably, sectors often considered critical to economic diversification recorded negligible inflows. Oil and gas attracted only $460,000, while construction received $100,000. Education attracted $70,000 and health and social work received $120,000.

The distribution suggests that foreign investors remain concentrated in financial assets rather than productive sectors of the economy.

UK, US investors lead as Standard Chartered tops banks

The United Kingdom emerged as the largest source of foreign capital into Nigeria during the quarter, accounting for $5.08 billion or 49% of total inflows.

The United States followed with $3.18 billion, representing 30.7%, while South Africa contributed $983.83 million or 9.5% of total capital imported into the country.

Mauritius and the United Arab Emirates accounted for $390.07 million and $194.51 million respectively.

Among financial institutions, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited received the largest volume of capital inflows, processing $4.41 billion or 42.6% of total importation.

Stanbic IBTC Bank followed with $2.78 billion, representing 26.8%, while Rand Merchant Bank handled $930.82 million. Citibank Nigeria and Access Bank processed $782.84 million and $710.03 million respectively.

Other major receiving banks included First Bank of Nigeria, Guaranty Trust Bank, Zenith Bank, FCMB, Ecobank and Fidelity Bank.

What you should know
Nairametrics earlier reported that Nigeria recorded a sharp increase in foreign portfolio investment inflows in January 2026, with hot money inflows rising to $3.37 billion and accounting for 95.72% of the country’s total capital importation.

The report showed that total capital inflows into the economy rose to $3.52 billion in January, representing an increase of 181.6% from the $1.25 billion recorded in December 2025, driven largely by foreign investors’ increased appetite for Nigerian bonds and money market instruments.

Leaked video of Aisha Yesufu shouting at NDC Party leaders including Seriake Dickson.

Emeka Ike dey blink eyes like fowl. pic.twitter.com/OWqP2dPiLT

— High Chief Lawrence Igbins Okoro (@HighChiefOkoro) June 3, 2026

NDC members protest against NDC 🤣

Just take a look at a party that wants to save Nigeria. They can’t conduct free, fair and credible party primaries.

NDC is currently stealing tickets from winners and selling them to the biggest bags. pic.twitter.com/EdNGwoFX5r

— High Chief Lawrence Igbins Okoro (@HighChiefOkoro) June 3, 2026

Q: What do you see in this coming (2027) election? Do you think Tinubu has already won it?

Babachir Lawal: President Tinubu will win by a landslide. pic.twitter.com/v3kRR28ie0

— Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) June 1, 2026

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal, has predicted a landslide victory for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

Lawal made the remark while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, shortly after announcing his resignation from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in a post on his Facebook page.

The former SGF said he had decided to step away from active politics, citing dissatisfaction with the way politics is practised in Nigeria.

According to him, he would rather focus on other pursuits, including agriculture and church-related activities.

“I’ve just come to the conclusion that in Nigerian politics, everybody is… I don’t understand how it’s practised. I don’t know how it should be practised. Maybe there are some Nigerians who know to run their things. I don’t want to be part of anything again,” he said.

Lawal, who was a member of the opposition coalition that recently adopted the ADC as its political platform, argued that Tinubu would be difficult to defeat in the next election.

“Tinubu will win with landslide. If the parameter for winning the election in Nigeria is rigging, nobody can face Bola Tinubu.

“If Atiku’s strength is in manipulating results, he will meet the master leader in the front next year. And so they will be all the worse for it,” Lawal stated.

The former SGF also added that he won’t be supporting me Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC. He said didn’t want to be part of anything again.

“I won’t support Peter Obi. I don’t want to be part of anything again,” Lawal said.

Source: https://dailypost.ng/2026/06/01/2027-tinubu-will-win-landslide-i-wont-support-peter-obi-babachir-lawal/

Richtaiwo:
Oya, make una come insult the living daylight out of Kano people for rejecting obifraud.

I was expecting them to remove those werey caps, and then this guy understood the assignment. pic.twitter.com/D3eLzgULn2

— Kaiser Kunle (@heyitskunle) June 1, 2026

pic.twitter.com/0VwIi0oixi Kano Residents Burn Peter Obi/ Kwankwanso Posters

— Seyi Afolayan (@africainfostat) June 1, 2026

See NDC counting...from 5 to 27 then 35

pic.twitter.com/66BM0mo2GB

— Pst Okezie JAMES Atañi 🦨 (@Onsogbu) May 29, 2026

LagosOrigin:
Peter Obi was wise to have left ADC for dollar dollar bribing atiku abubakar

ayoolataiwo:
Abeg whose saner lots will vote for these woman as she's to represent the mighty FCT as a senator

ayoolataiwo:
Abeg whose saner lots will vote for these woman as she's to represent the mighty FCT as a senator

MemphitzDgreat1:
But seriously, if you’re not maaad, why on earth would you be supporting Peter Obi to contest as President?

Breaking News : SDP v INEC

INEC Timetable is in line with the Electoral Act- Omotoso J.

2027 polls: Your timetable must comply with statutory timeframe, court tells INEC

…says umpire can’t shorten 90-day period for substitution of candidates

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to amend the timetable it issued for the conduct of the 2027 general elections.

The court, in a judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho, directed that the timetable and schedule of activities for the elections be amended to comply with Sections 29(1) and 31 of the Electoral Act 2026.

According to the court, although the Commission is empowered by the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and the Electoral Act 2026, to issue a timetable for elections and to alter the same as it deems fit, such actions must be carried out in strict compliance with the provisions of the law.

It further held that INEC cannot lawfully abridge or vary the 90-day period for substitution of candidates under Section 31 of the Electoral Act 2026.

“This honourable court hereby declares that the Defendant (INEC) cannot abridge the time stipulated in Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, given to political parties to submit the names of their candidates at least 120 days to the date of election,” Justice Omotosho held.

However, the court stressed that INEC did not act ultra vires its powers when it requested the membership register of political parties and also gave a timeframe within which primary elections should be conducted.

It nonetheless declared that the deadlines of 29th August 2026 and 16th September 2026, fixed for political parties to submit nomination forms for candidates for Presidential and National Assembly elections as well as Governorship and House of Assembly elections, were void to the extent of their inconsistency with the clear provisions of Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026.

The judgment followed a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/720/2026, filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

INEC was listed as the sole defendant in the matter.

The party, in the suit it filed on April 9 through its team of lawyers led by Mr. Realwan Okpanachi, prayed the court to, among other things, determine:

“Whether, having regard to Sections 82 and 84(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, the Defendant’s powers to receive notices, attend, observe, and monitor party primaries extend to fixing or prescribing the timetable within which political parties must conduct their primaries.”

As well as, “Whether, having regard to Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, the Defendant can lawfully abridge the statutory period of 120 days before an election for the submission of candidates’ particulars by imposing timelines in its Revised Timetable for 2027 general elections.”

INEC’s legal team, led by Dr. Alex Izinyon, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the suit for want of merit, insisting it acted within its statutory powers.

It further prayed the court to dismiss the suit for being statute-barred.

While the court held that the electoral body is empowered to issue a timetable for elections in strict compliance with the timeframes provided by the law, it held that the suit was not statute-barred.

The court noted that the suit originated from a press statement INEC issued on March 27.

It held that an election timetable is a chain of events or actions which includes the submission of membership registers of political parties to be used for the purpose of primaries, and the fixing of timeframes within which political parties are to organise their primary elections for the purpose of the 2027 polls.

The court held that the claims of the plaintiff succeeded in part.

The judgment came barely 24 hours after INEC approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja to set aside an earlier verdict of the court that voided the timelines it issued for the 2027 general elections.

The Commission also applied for a stay of execution of the judgment, pending the determination of its appeal.

In the notice of appeal dated May 25, INEC raised nine grounds it urged the appellate court to consider in vacating the judgment the high court delivered on May 20, in respect of a similar suit filed against it by the Youth Party (YP).

“Must everybody be a presidential candidate or governorship candidates? It’s important as opposition to bring a stronger coalition to fight the sitting government. You can’t defeat a status quo by splitting into different groups.”

— Dr Sam Amadi.

“Must everybody be a presidential candidate or governorship candidates? It’s important as opposition to bring a stronger coalition to fight the sitting government. You can’t defeat a status quo by splitting into different groups.”

— Dr Sam Amadi. pic.twitter.com/yTq8fzEwah

— Thεό Abu (@TheoAbuAgada) May 26, 2026

seunowa:
I no go gree..Na Tinubu cause the fight...

Ordinarily, a stakeholders’ meeting involving aspirants for the House of Representatives and the Senate should be peaceful, organized, and focused on unity. Yet, what played out turned into a complete tug of war in FCT.

The Chairman of the Electoral Committee responsible for… pic.twitter.com/DG8yBEdXWa

— Àlúbàríkà 🇳🇬 (@Iyoaiye_) May 23, 2026

Hoelujohn:
People wey no know why they are queuing up. I heard it’s 1k to stay in line for 20 minutes

"You slapped me"

Fight breaks among ADC members pic.twitter.com/f6OminOvTG

— Ayekooto (@DeeOneAyekooto) May 23, 2026