Obaseki dismissed the claims as baseless, accusing the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s successor, Governor Monday Okpebholo, of spreading misinformation that could tarnish the country’s international reputation. He called on the current administration to verify the debt figures with the Debt Management Office, DMO, and to refrain from making reckless statements.

Read Also: Okpebholo Sets Up Panel To Probe Obaseki’s Government

According to Obaseki, “No government whether local, state, or federal has the capacity to take out loans or enter debt agreements without the knowledge and approval of the DMO.”

He added that such claims were damaging to Edo’s image and could contribute to the perception that Nigeria is a “failed state.”

Obaseki criticized the remarks made by Afegbua, describing them as “false” and “irresponsible.” He suggested that the spread of such misinformation not only harmed the state’s image but also had wider consequences, potentially affecting how Nigeria is viewed abroad.

Obaseki also urged the public to question the N600bn debt figure, pointing out that any such debt would be recorded at the DMO. He challenged those making the claims to provide evidence from official records.

Source: The Nation

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The decision followed an emergency executive meeting presided over by Governor Monday Okpebholo. Speaking after the meeting, Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebor, said the revised budget prioritises infrastructure, with capital expenditure now accounting for 70% of the total budget, up from 67%.

“The increment reflects our commitment to infrastructure development. Recurrent expenditure rose by about N12 billion, while capital expenditure increased by N113 billion, about 25% more than before,” Okoebor said. He noted that the increase in recurrent spending was driven by a higher minimum wage and recent employment in the Hospital Management Board.

Read Also: Security Squad Raids Kidnappers’ Camps In Edo

Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohombamu, said the revised budget would be forwarded to the State House of Assembly for consideration and approval.

Earlier, the Assembly had passed a N675 billion budget, up from the N605 billion initially proposed by the governor, after reviewing the report of its Committee on Budget and Project Monitoring. The increase was aimed at supporting the administration’s five-point development agenda.

Source: Punch

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This was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor, Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua, who stated that the state government has begin an investigation into the murder of the duo.

The deceased were murdered at the height of the tussle between the warring factions over who controls the community.

According to the statement, the investigation is being supervised by the Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers”, in collaboration with security agencies and community leaders.

The investigative team which was led by the Government House Chief Security Officer, CSP Osaro Roberts, and the Principal Security Officer to the governor, Okoh affirmed to the community to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the killings of Enomwa and Imaghodo.

While addressing the community during the visit, the Secretary of the Special Security Squad, John Izegaebe, condemned the act of violence and reiterated the government’s resolve to stamp out cultism, kidnapping, and communal clashes in Edo.

Read Also: Edo Police Rescue 16 kidnap victims along Benin-Lagos Road

Residents of Iyanomo Community, who received the team with relief, expressed appreciation to the Governor and the security squad for their swift response.
They appealed for continued government presence in the community to forestall further bloodshed and ensure lasting peace.

Source: Punch

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According to the Moses, distress calls prompted the swift response and mobilization of operatives from the Iguobazuwa and Ekiadolor Divisions, backed by tactical teams, local vigilantes, and hunters. The teams embarked on intensive bush-combing operations to track the abductors and free the victims.

The Commissioner of Police of the state, Monday Agbonika, personally led the operation along the Benin–Akure axis, deploying drones and other technical support to enhance precision.

“Six victims were rescued along the Benin–Akure Road, including one with a gunshot injury who is now receiving treatment. Three more victims were freed on the Benin–Lagos Road, while an additional seven regained their freedom on August 25,” the statement added.

Agbonika commended the operatives, vigilantes, and local hunters for their collaboration, stressing that the partnership between security agencies and communities remains vital in tackling violent crime.

He assured the public that efforts are ongoing to rescue remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators, adding that the command would continue to deploy human and technological measures to secure Edo highways.

Source: Punch

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The appointment was announced in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor.

The statement read, “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the appointment of Barr. Kasimu Otone as Special Adviser, Oil and Gas, to the Governor.

“Barr. Kasimu Otono, who replaces the suspended immediate-past Special Adviser, Mr. Felix Isere, is a legal practitioner, real estate entrepreneur, philanthropist and community mobiliser.”

According to the statement, Otono is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association and the International Bar Association, and currently serves as Senior Partner at Kay and Kay Legal, a firm specialising in commercial, real estate, and oil and gas law.

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In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo clarified that his comments were misrepresented.

He explained that he only stressed the importance of security protocols for high-profile individuals, especially politically exposed persons, visiting the state.

According to the governor, it is within his constitutional duty to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors in Edo State.

He noted that prior notification and security clearance for public engagements by such individuals are necessary to enable the government to provide adequate security and avoid any risks.

“Failure to observe these protocols could pose security threats not just to the visitors, but to citizens who may be affected by any unexpected incidents,” the statement said.

Governor Okpebholo reiterated his commitment to upholding peace and security in the state and emphasised that his intention was solely to ensure safety, not to intimidate or threaten any political figure.

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He noted that for the Ovia Federal Constituency seat, only one aspirant, Johnny Aikpitanyi, was cleared as the party’s sole candidate.

Festus Edogun was not cleared by the party to contest for the Edo Central Senatorial District ticket.

Edogun was said to have bought the form from PDP headquarters in Abuja, and he was asked to bring the proof of purchase of the form to the appeal committee.

The aspirants were screened July 15, 2025, at the state party secretariat in Benin by a five-man panel appointed by the PDP National Working Committee.

The committee is chaired by Okumoko Tubo Pearce, with Chinomso Odoemelan as secretary.

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The suspects were arrested when the team raided Isiohor, Iguosa, Oluku, Ibiwe/Lagos Street, and other notorious hideouts for criminals.

Many of the suspects were reported to have been arrested with drugs, dangerous weapons, and other incriminating materials.

Speaking after the operation, John Adewale Eseikhaigbe, a member of the Edo State Special Security Squad Against Cultism and Kidnapping, commended the state governor for setting up the team.

Eseikhaigbe opined that the squad would go a long way in reducing the criminal elements perpetrating evils in the state.

According to him, “Thanks to the state governor for the initiative in setting up the squad, because he is a man committed to peace and against conflicts.
“Following the recent killing in Edo State, the governor took it upon himself to announce to the state, nation, and the world that the killing in Edo State must stop, thereby constituting the special squad.
“The squad commenced operation on Tuesday and made several arrests, and you can see for yourself as we combed the length and breadth of the city of Benin to ensure it is safe for our people.

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A former Nigerian captain, Segun Odegbami, broke the news that “Ikhana has been transferred to the specialist hospital after his condition deteriorated significantly.”

The immediate past Chairman of the South-South Police Service Commission, Austin Braimoh, has been footing the mounting medical bills to keep the football legend alive.

Ikhana, affectionately known as “Kawawa,” was a key figure in Nigerian football during the late 1970s and early 1980s as a defender for both club and country.

He was an integral part of the Bendel Insurance FC squad that dominated domestic Nigerian football at the end of the 1970s, before earning his place in the national team setup.

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In a unanimous judgment, the apex court held that with the submission before it, Ighodalo was not duly elected by the majority of lawful votes cast.

The apex court held that the PDP candidate failed to prove non-compliance as he merely challenged the outcome of the election in 395 of the 4,519 polling units where elections were held.

‎The apex court panel also said the 19 witnesses called at the Tribunal stage did not help the case of the PDP in challenging the outcome of the election.

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