Sowore Seeks Judge’s Recusal, Declines To Open Defence in Cyberbullying Case

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June 5, 2026

Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, on Friday declined to open his defence in an ongoing cyberbullying trial in which he is accused of making derogatory comments about President Bola Tinubu on social media.

The case resumed before Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, where the prosecution informed the court that it was time for the defence to present its case. However, Sowore appeared in court without his legal representatives.

Addressing the court, Sowore explained that his lawyers were absent due to what he described as ongoing concerns about the handling of the proceedings. He stated that he would temporarily represent himself while making arrangements to engage new legal counsel.

During the hearing, the activist also submitted an application requesting that Justice Umar recuse himself from the matter. According to Sowore, there were concerns about the fairness of the trial, prompting his request for the case to be reassigned by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.

The prosecution, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Akinlolu Kehinde, opposed the application, arguing that it was an attempt to delay the trial and urging the court to dismiss it.

On the other hand, the defence sought additional time to review the case file and secure legal representation before proceeding further.

After hearing submissions from both parties, Justice Umar stated that he would need time to consider the recusal application before delivering a ruling.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter until June 15, 2026, when a decision is expected on whether the judge will continue presiding over the case.

The court also indicated that should the application be found to have merit, Justice Umar would step aside and the case could be reassigned accordingly.

Gunmen Abduct Pastor’s Nine-Year-Old Son In Ondo Community

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Enyosa Favour

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June 5, 2026

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A nine-year-old boy has been kidnapped following a late-night attack by suspected bandits on a community in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The incident occurred in the Igbosi area of Idogun in the early hours of Friday, when armed men reportedly invaded the community, firing gunshots to instill fear among residents before carrying out the operation.

During the attack, the assailants allegedly vandalised two residential buildings and abducted the child, identified as Oluwatobi, the son of a local pastor, Isaac Olaosebikan.

Residents said the sound of gunfire caused widespread panic, forcing many people to flee their homes and seek safety in neighbouring communities and surrounding areas.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said the attackers stormed the community at about 1 a.m. and abducted the boy after his father reportedly escaped into a nearby bush during the invasion.

The command disclosed that security operatives, including personnel of the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies, have launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation to secure the child’s release.

According to the police, officers have been deployed to nearby forests and suspected escape routes as efforts intensify to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victim.

The Commissioner of Police has also directed tactical and intelligence units to strengthen operations aimed at ensuring the safe return of the boy and the arrest of those behind the attack.

Security agencies said investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes in the area.

Police Arrest Suspect Over Alleged AI Fake Audio Of President Tinubu

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Enyosa Favour

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June 5, 2026

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The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a suspect allegedly connected to the creation and distribution of a viral artificial intelligence-generated audio recording falsely attributed to President Bola Tinubu.

The development was confirmed by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, who revealed that the suspect, identified as Ifechukwu Dennis, was apprehended in Benin City, Edo State, by a special police team investigating the controversial audio clip.

According to Onanuga, the suspect allegedly created and circulated the manipulated recording, presenting it as a genuine statement made by the President.

“The IGP crack team has arrested Ifechukwu Dennis who originated the fake voice that he passed on to his gullible targets as President Tinubu’s voice,” Onanuga stated on his verified X account.

He added that the Nigeria Police Force would release an official statement with further details regarding the arrest and the ongoing investigation.

The arrest follows weeks of controversy surrounding a viral audio recording that allegedly featured President Tinubu making comments on insecurity in the South-East, the 2027 presidential election, and opposition politicians.

The recording sparked widespread reactions across social media and fueled political discussions before the Presidency dismissed it as a fabricated deepfake generated using artificial intelligence technology.

Earlier reports linked social media commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to the circulation of the audio. However, subsequent findings reportedly indicated that the recording did not originate from his platforms.

Investigators are said to have discovered that the audio may have been produced by extracting content from an existing video and overlaying it with AI-generated voice technology designed to mimic the President’s voice before it was shared online.

The arrest of Dennis is being viewed as a significant breakthrough in efforts to identify those responsible for creating and distributing the alleged fake recording.

Security agencies are expected to continue their investigations to determine whether other individuals were involved in producing or spreading the audio, while authorities also consider possible charges against the suspect.

The incident has renewed concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence tools to create deceptive content and spread misinformation across digital platforms.

INEC Says Primaries Held After May 30 Deadline Remain Invalid

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Enyosa Favour

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June 5, 2026

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has maintained that any political party primary election conducted after May 30, 2026, remains invalid unless a higher court overturns an existing judgment of the Federal High Court.

The clarification was made by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, who stressed that political parties must continue to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 while legal proceedings on the matter are still ongoing.

According to Haruna, parties are expected to operate within the existing legal framework until the Court of Appeal delivers a final verdict.

“Any primary held outside INEC’s May 30 deadline will be invalid unless the Court of Appeal overturns the Federal High Court judgment,” Haruna said.

The controversy stems from a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified aspects of INEC’s election timetable and held that the commission lacked the authority to shorten statutory timelines for political party activities and candidate nominations.

In response to the judgment, INEC filed an appeal and also sought a stay of execution, arguing that its timetable was consistent with constitutional and electoral provisions guiding the election process.

Before the legal dispute emerged, INEC had scheduled April 23 to May 30, 2026, as the official period for political parties to conduct their primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The situation has become more complex following another court ruling that affirmed INEC’s constitutional power to issue election timetables, while emphasizing that such authority must be exercised within the limits set by the Electoral Act.

The differing court decisions have created uncertainty around the conduct of party primaries, particularly as some political parties have already completed their internal nomination exercises while others continue to deal with petitions, disputes, and rerun directives.

Meanwhile, INEC has advised all political parties to exercise caution and strictly comply with existing legal requirements to avoid potential challenges or disqualification as the legal process continues.

Migrants Flee As Xenophobic Violence Escalates In South Africa

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Ayomitunde Adeyemi

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June 5, 2026

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Hundreds of African migrants are fleeing their homes in parts of South Africa’s Western Cape Province following a surge in anti-immigrant protests that have left several people dead and many others displaced.

In the coastal town of Kleinmond, migrants from Mozambique and Malawi have taken refuge in a local town hall after angry crowds reportedly went door-to-door demanding that foreign nationals leave the community.

Among them is Mozambican migrant Lado Amido, who says he fled into nearby mountains after protesters targeted his home and stole his belongings. He spent two nights hiding before seeking shelter with other displaced migrants.

The violence comes amid a wider wave of anti-immigrant demonstrations across South Africa. Authorities in Mozambique say at least five of their citizens were killed during xenophobic attacks in the town of Mossel Bay over the weekend.

Many migrants now fear for their safety, with some choosing to return to their home countries through voluntary repatriation programmes organised by their governments.

Xenophobic attacks have long been a challenge in South Africa, where immigrants are often blamed for unemployment, crime, and economic difficulties despite a lack of evidence supporting those claims.

Speaking in parliament, Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the recent violence while calling for greater attention to migration challenges facing the country.

Local officials say many of the displaced migrants are legally living and working in South Africa. Some children who were attending school in Kleinmond are now unable to return to class because of safety concerns.

One Malawian migrant, Michael Markson, said he spent a night hiding in the mountains after being warned that protesters armed with sticks and knives were searching for foreigners.

With tensions remaining high, many displaced migrants say they face a difficult choice between returning to struggling economies back home or remaining in communities where they fear for their lives.

Lab-Grown Diamonds Shake Global Market As Sierra Leone Miners Struggle

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Ayomitunde Adeyemi

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June 5, 2026

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The growing popularity of lab-grown diamonds is disrupting the global diamond industry, causing a sharp decline in the value of natural diamonds and threatening livelihoods in mining communities.

In Sierra Leone’s diamond-rich Kono region, miners continue digging despite dwindling returns. Many now spend months searching for diamonds without success as global prices for mined diamonds have fallen by about 40% over the past four years.

The downturn contributed to the closure of the country’s largest diamond mine, Koidu Holdings, last year, resulting in the loss of around 1,000 jobs. While company officials cited industrial disputes and security concerns, industry insiders say weak global demand also played a major role.

Lab-grown diamonds, produced mainly in India and China, are chemically identical to natural diamonds but can cost up to 70% less. Their affordability has made them increasingly popular among consumers, especially in the United States, where they now account for more than 60% of engagement ring sales.

Local officials in Kono say the falling value of natural diamonds has weakened economic activity and reduced earnings for miners. Many residents argue that despite decades of diamond extraction, their communities remain poor.

To improve the industry’s image, diamond giant De Beers has launched initiatives aimed at supporting small-scale miners through training, equipment, and improved market access.

Supporters of lab-grown diamonds argue they are more affordable and ethical, while critics point to the large amounts of energy required to produce them.

Industry analysts predict the global lab-grown diamond market will continue expanding rapidly over the next decade, putting further pressure on traditional diamond mining regions such as Sierra Leone.

For miners like Daniel, however, hope remains alive. Despite the challenges, he continues searching for the precious stones, believing that one successful discovery could change his fortunes.

Ukraine Strikes Cargo Ships And Admits Romania Drone Blast As Putin Prepares For Key Speech

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Tosin Onisuuru

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June 5, 2026

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Ukraine has intensified its long-range drone campaign against Russian-controlled targets, striking cargo vessels in the Sea of Azov while also acknowledging that a Ukrainian maritime drone was responsible for an explosion at Romania’s Black Sea port of Constanța. The developments come as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to deliver a closely watched speech amid escalating tensions in the war.

Ukraine’s drone forces said they carried out overnight attacks on five vessels operating in and around the occupied ports of Mariupol and Berdyansk. According to Ukrainian officials, the targets included dry cargo ships and a tanker allegedly involved in transporting military supplies, fuel and grain from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories. Ukrainian drone commander Robert Brovdi said the vessels were being used to support Russia’s war effort.

The attacks triggered international attention after Azerbaijan announced that five of its citizens were killed and three others injured aboard two vessels struck in the Sea of Azov. Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry said 25 Azerbaijani nationals had been aboard the ships at the time of the attacks, though the vessels themselves were not Azerbaijani-owned.

The strikes form part of Ukraine’s broader strategy of targeting Russian logistics networks and maritime infrastructure. In recent months, Ukrainian drones have struck oil terminals, tankers, military vessels and port facilities in both the Black Sea and Baltic Sea regions in an effort to disrupt Russian military supply chains.

Meanwhile, Romanian authorities were dealing with a separate security incident after a maritime drone exploded near an oil terminal in the port of Constanța, Romania’s largest Black Sea port. The blast prompted evacuations, emergency alerts and aerial surveillance operations, although no casualties were reported. Romanian officials said the drone self-detonated after security forces secured the area.

Later, Ukrainian military sources acknowledged that the drone belonged to Ukraine. According to Ukrainian officials, the unmanned naval vessel lost control after being affected by Russian electronic warfare systems while conducting operations in the Black Sea. Kyiv said it informed Romanian authorities about the situation in advance to minimize risks to civilians.

The incident marked the second major drone-related security event affecting Romania in less than two weeks. Last week, a drone identified by Bucharest as Russian crashed into an apartment building in the southeastern city of Galați, injuring two people and prompting renewed NATO discussions about strengthening air defenses along the alliance’s eastern flank.

Romanian President Nicușor Dan said the latest incident highlighted the growing security risks facing countries bordering the conflict. The European Union and NATO members have expressed concern that drone warfare in the Black Sea region could increasingly spill over into neighboring states.

The developments come as Putin prepares to address political and business leaders at a major economic forum in Russia. Earlier this week, Ukrainian drones struck infrastructure in St. Petersburg, including an oil terminal and naval facilities, shortly before the opening of the event. Analysts say Kyiv is attempting to demonstrate its ability to strike strategic targets deep inside Russia ahead of key public appearances by the Russian leader.

Despite ongoing diplomatic discussions, military activity on both sides has intensified. Russia has continued large-scale missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities, while Ukraine has expanded attacks against Russian energy facilities, ports, military assets and shipping routes. The growing use of aerial and maritime drones has transformed the conflict into one of the most technologically complex wars in modern history.

With civilian casualties reported in the Sea of Azov, security concerns spreading into NATO territory, and both sides escalating long-range attacks, the latest incidents underscore the widening regional implications of the war as it enters another volatile phase.

In an open letter to the Russian president, Zelensky said it would be “wrong to simply wait” until the war in Europe becomes the focus of the US’s attention once more, adding peace could only come “through direct engagement between” Ukraine and Russia.

He also called for a full ceasefire for the duration of proposed negotiations – something Putin ruled out earlier on Thursday.

The Kremlin confirmed it had received the letter. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian state newspaper Izvestia that it was likely Putin would comment on it on Friday.

The European Union, France and the US are among those that have backed Zelensky’s calls for a meeting.

“I think it would be great if they met. They should. Get it done,” US President Donald Trump told reporters on Thursday.

“I want them each to make certain compromises, and I think they’re going to do it.”

Boko Haram Attack On Borno Army Base: Eight Soldiers Reportedly Killed

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Enyosa Favour

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June 5, 2026

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Boko Haram insurgents have reportedly carried out a deadly early morning attack on a Nigerian Army base in Borno State, leaving at least eight soldiers dead and several others injured following a fierce confrontation.

According to military sources, the assault targeted the 162 Battalion base located along the Mandara–Buratai Road in Borno State.

The attackers were said to have struck around 4 a.m. on Friday, taking advantage of heavy rainfall and poor visibility to launch a surprise assault on the military facility.

A military source disclosed, “162 Battalion Mandara Buratai Road, eight soldiers were killed in action. They attacked us at 4 a.m. today (Friday) when it was raining.”

Security sources said the insurgents temporarily breached parts of the military outpost during the attack, leading to intense fighting between the troops and the attackers.

Another source alleged that the assault resulted in significant casualties among the soldiers stationed at the base.

“They killed eight soldiers and beheaded them. Several others were injured during the attack,” the source stated.

Following the incident, military reinforcement teams were reportedly deployed to the area to secure the base, prevent further attacks, and support recovery operations.

Authorities are currently conducting a full assessment to determine the extent of casualties and evaluate any damage sustained during the attack.

NDC Defends Primary Elections, Denies Allegations Of Candidate Imposition

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Enyosa Favour

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June 5, 2026

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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has defended the conduct of its recently concluded primary elections, insisting that no candidate was imposed by the party’s national leadership.

The party maintained that all aspirants were given equal opportunities to participate in a transparent and democratic process, while emphasizing that candidate selection was based on consultations, consensus-building, and stakeholder engagement across the country.

In a statement released on Thursday, the party’s National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Enekweizu, dismissed allegations that the NDC National Secretariat influenced the emergence of candidates in any state or constituency.

According to him, the party’s leadership did not interfere in the selection process.

“At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state,” Enekweizu stated.

He explained that aspirants were encouraged to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members in their various states, who were responsible for consultations and recommendations based on local political realities.

The party said its candidate selection process relied heavily on established leadership structures and stakeholder consultations at the state level.

According to the NDC, its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the party with a network of respected political leaders and elder statesmen, particularly in the South-East, who currently serve as caucus heads in the region.

Among those mentioned were former governors Sam Egwu, Okwesilieze Nwodo, and Achike Udenwa, alongside other senior political figures.

“These leaders were entrusted with conducting stakeholder consultations, building consensus, and making recommendations to the party based on their understanding of the peculiar political dynamics in their respective states,” the statement said.

The party stressed that aspirants who disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders were not shut out of the process.

Instead, they were given the opportunity to participate in grassroots primaries and test their popularity among party members.

“This process was conducted without prejudice to the rights of any aspirant.”

“Where aspirants disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders, they were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level, and this was duly accommodated,” the party said.

While acknowledging concerns raised by some aspirants following the primaries, the NDC said reports of premature declarations of victory and complaints regarding aspects of the process had already been forwarded to the party’s appeal panel and leadership for review.

The party reiterated its commitment to fairness, transparency, and internal democracy in resolving any disputes arising from the exercise.

The NDC also highlighted efforts to promote greater female participation in politics through its affirmative action policy.

According to the party, measures were put in place to encourage more women to contest elective positions while balancing the interests of serving lawmakers and other stakeholders.

Looking ahead, the NDC announced plans to commence a broad reconciliation process aimed at fostering unity and healing divisions that may have emerged during the primaries.

“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process,” Enekweizu said.

“We count on our esteemed caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and party leaders to engage all aspirants and members in the interest of unity, cohesion, and the continued growth of our party.”

The party stated that its primary role throughout the nomination process was to welcome new members and aspirants, assure them of fairness and transparency, and direct them to the appropriate caucus structures for participation in party affairs.

According to the NDC, its approach reflects a strong commitment to internal democracy, consultation, inclusiveness, and respect for established leadership structures as preparations continue for future elections.

TCN Announces Daily Power Outages In Delta

By

Enyosa Favour

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June 5, 2026

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The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced a temporary disruption of electricity supply across several communities in Delta State as it carries out ongoing maintenance work at the Delta 132/33kV Transmission Substation.

In a statement shared on its official X handle on Friday, the company disclosed that the maintenance exercise commenced on June 4 and will run daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until June 16, 2026.

According to TCN, the exercise is part of efforts to improve the reliability and efficiency of power infrastructure in the area.

“The maintenance is to facilitate the connection of a bus coupler circuit breaker and the rehabilitation of five isolators on the main busbar,” the statement said.

The company explained that several 33kV feeders supplied from the Effurun and Delta 132/33kV Transmission Substations will be temporarily shut down during the maintenance period.

The affected feeders include “Effurun, Warri, Sapele, Osubi, PTI, PMSL, Refinery I, Refinery II, Enerhen, Isoko/Kwale, Otovwodo/Patani, Ughelli/Shell, Agbarho/Eku, Aladja, Imoniyame and Beta Glass.”

As a result, customers connected to these feeders are expected to experience daily power interruptions throughout the maintenance period.

TCN, however, assured residents and businesses that electricity supply would be restored at the conclusion of each day’s maintenance activities.

“Power supply will be restored daily at 5:00 p.m., enabling Benin DisCo to offtake electricity for its customers, following the completion of each day’s maintenance activities,” TCN stated.

The company also expressed regret over the temporary inconvenience and appealed for understanding from affected electricity consumers.

“TCN apologises for every inconvenience caused by the ongoing maintenance exercise,” the statement added.