DSS Raises Alarm Over Planned Mass Abduction of Schoolchildren in Edo

The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised a security alert over an alleged plot by suspected bandits to carry out a mass abduction of schoolchildren in Edo State, prompting the state government to close vulnerable schools and strengthen security measures across affected communities.

According to intelligence reports obtained by the DSS, schools in the Edo North Senatorial District have been identified as potential targets for a planned kidnapping operation by criminal groups seeking to exploit students for ransom.

The security alert was contained in an internal memo issued by the Edo State Command of the DSS after operatives reportedly intercepted conversations between two suspected bandits identified as Bawa and Nuhu.

The suspects were said to have discussed changing tactics after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to generate the financial returns they expected. Intelligence gathered by the agency indicated that the criminals believed abducting schoolchildren could attract wider government attention and potentially result in larger ransom payments and other concessions.

The DSS further disclosed that on June 4, 2026, security operatives arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Emmanuel Momidu, who was allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School in Makeke Community, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.

Investigators suspect the reconnaissance operation may have been linked to preparations for a possible attack on the school, heightening concerns about the safety of students and teachers in the area.

READ ALSO:

• US Launches Fresh Strikes on Iran After Apache Helicopter Downing
• Oyo School Abduction: IGP Deploys DIGs, Orders Nationwide Crackdown on Unregistered Vehicles
• 12 Killed, Nine Injured in Deadly South Africa Mass Shooting

In response to the threat, the Edo State Government ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools considered vulnerable to attack. The affected institutions include Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School, all located in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.

The decision was conveyed in a circular issued by the Edo State Ministry of Education, which cited credible security intelligence and the need to protect students, teachers and school personnel from potential danger.

Despite the temporary closure, authorities clarified that candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would be allowed to sit for their examinations under enhanced security arrangements.

The DSS has advised security agencies to immediately reinforce protection around schools and educational facilities, especially in vulnerable communities across Edo North.

The agency also recommended the deployment of additional security personnel, increased surveillance operations and stronger collaboration among the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Edo State Security Corps, local vigilante groups and hunters.

Parents, guardians and school administrators have been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities around schools and residential communities.

The latest alert comes amid growing concerns over school kidnappings in Nigeria, following recent incidents involving students and teachers in states such as Oyo and Borno, where dozens of victims remain in captivity.

Security experts have warned that educational institutions continue to be attractive targets for criminal gangs due to their perceived vulnerability and the publicity generated by attacks on schools.

Authorities insist that the latest measures are preventive and aimed at ensuring that criminal groups do not disrupt academic activities or endanger the lives of children.

As security agencies intensify intelligence gathering and patrol operations, residents have been assured that every effort is being made to prevent any attack and maintain safety across Edo State.

DSS Raises Alarm Over Planned Mass Abduction of Schoolchildren in Edo

Blessing CEO Faces Fresh N69.1 Million Fraud Charge, Remanded in EFCC Custody

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned social media influencer Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, over a fresh N69.1 million fraud allegation, amid an ongoing N36 million fraud trial and a separate controversy surrounding her earlier claim of having stage four cancer and subsequent public fundraising. The anti-graft agency announced the fresh arraignment in a statement on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. According to the EFCC, Blessing CEO was docked before Justice R.A. Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N69,150,000 (Sixty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira).

According to the EFCC’s statement, the first count of the charge reads: “That you, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, on or about March 21, 2025, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by false pretence and with intent to defraud, induced Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited to confer a benefit of N69,150,000 (Sixty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) on you under the representation that the property located at No. 1 Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, belonged to you and was leased to the company for a period of five years, a representation you knew to be false, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 1(2) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act.” The second count reads: “That you, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, on or about March 21, 2025, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of N69,150,000 (Sixty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira), being the property of Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited, thereby committing an offence of stealing contrary to Section 280(2) and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.” Blessing CEO pleaded “not guilty” to both charges when they were read to her in court on Tuesday.

At the commencement of the proceedings, prosecution counsel, C.C. Okezie, urged the court to proceed with the arraignment, arguing that Blessing CEO had been duly served with the charge. However, Nkama Nneka, Blessing CEO’s counsel, argued that service of the charge on her client had only recently been effected. Justice Oshodi, in his ruling, held that the arraignment should proceed in accordance with the law, and the charges were subsequently read to the defendant. Following her not guilty plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and prayed the court to remand the defendant in EFCC custody pending her scheduled arraignment before the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos on June 10, 2026, for another alleged fraud case. Justice Oshodi subsequently ordered that Blessing CEO be remanded in EFCC custody and adjourned the matter until July 16, 2026, for the hearing of her bail application and commencement of trial.

READ ALSO:

• Abductions, Killings Are Sponsored to Undermine Tinubu’s Administration – Akpabio
• NARD Issues Federal Govt 21-Day Ultimatum Over Unpaid Allowances
• “Can Anybody Stop Me?” — Ahmad Gumi Fires Back Over Ibadan Visit, Islamisation Claims

The fresh charges came on the same day that Justice Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, granted Blessing CEO bail in the sum of N10 million over a separate alleged N36 million fraud charge. Blessing CEO was initially arraigned on May 14, 2026, before Justice Dipeolu on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N36 million. The EFCC accused her of obtaining the money between July 14 and 17, 2024, from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye, claiming she would secure a lease for a six-bedroom duplex at 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos. Justice Dipeolu granted bail with strict conditions: N10 million with two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must be a family member and must provide proof of employment, a Bank Verification Number (BVN) , a National Identification Number (NIN) , and a valid phone number. The sureties must also submit a valid passport, tax clearance certificates for the last two years, and six passport photographs.

The trial in the N36 million case commenced on Friday, June 5, 2026, before Justice Dipeolu, with an EFCC investigator testifying that Blessing CEO obtained N36 million from her victim under false pretences. The first prosecution witness, Mrs. Bufa Okangbe, an investigator with the anti-graft agency, told the court that investigations revealed that Blessing CEO received a total of N36 million from the nominal complainant, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Okoye, in connection with the lease of a property in Lekki, Lagos. While being led in evidence by the prosecutor, Suleiman Suleiman, the witness identified the defendant’s statement and other exhibits, including a lease agreement and bank records from Guaranty Trust Bank and Access Bank. Mrs. Okangbe explained that the defendant admitted to receiving payments from the complainant and that records indicated that N25 million was deposited into her Guaranty Trust Bank account in July 2024, and N11 million into her Access Bank account, totalling N36 million. She further testified that follow-up investigations traced several transactions after the funds were received, including transfers of N8 million to Thomas and Jumoke Osogun (the actual owners of the property), payments of N9 million, N900,000, and N2 million to her mother, Mrs. Lina Okoro, a transfer of N10 million to Kenneth Onuora, and a payment of N1.9 million to De Beauty City, Lekki. The witness further stated that investigations with the Lagos State Land Bureau confirmed that Thomas Osogun was the true owner of the property and that the defendant had only leased it for a period, with the initial lease expiring in 2023 before being renewed in 2025. Following the presentation of evidence, the defence requested an adjournment to gather more relevant documents. Justice Dipeolu adjourned the case to June 22, 2026, for continuation of trial.

A few months ago, Blessing CEO had announced she had stage four cancer, prompting the public to crowdfund for her treatment. After raising a substantial sum of money estimated at around N36 million, she returned to normal life, a move that sparked reactions from those who had donated to her treatment. Social media activist Verydarkman (VDM) publicly called out Blessing CEO, demanding a refund of his donation. In an Instagram Live session, he stated: “Blessing CEO, my money is in your account. All these things you are saying that you don’t know whether you are stage 4 or not. It now appears you defrauded the public, which is a very serious crime. I have been busy since, but when I am ready, you will refund my money. You will learn the hard way.” Nollywood actress Georgina Onuoha also strongly criticized Blessing CEO, describing the situation as “deeply troubling and unacceptable.” She accused the influencer of misleading the public and engaging in “deliberate deception and financial exploitation.” Onuoha stated: “You told people you were critically ill and appealed to their empathy, and they responded with compassion and financial support. That is not a joke. That is deception.” She called on authorities, including the Nigeria Police Force and the EFCC, to investigate the matter thoroughly.

Blessing CEO now faces two separate criminal proceedings simultaneously. The first case involves the alleged N36 million fraud with an alleged offence date of July 14-17, 2024, being heard at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi before Justice Dehinde Dipeolu. The trial is ongoing and bail has been granted in the sum of N10 million. The next hearing is scheduled for June 22, 2026. The victim in this case is Ifeyinwa Okoye, an individual, and the property involved is 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki. The second case involves the fresh N69.1 million fraud with an alleged offence date of March 21, 2025, being heard at the Special Offences Court, Ikeja before Justice R. A. Oshodi. Blessing CEO has been arraigned and remanded in EFCC custody, with her bail application hearing set for July 16, 2026. The victim in this case is Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited, a company, and the property involved is 1 Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki.

Blessing CEO was arraigned on fresh N69.1 million fraud charges before Justice R. A. Oshodi of the Special Offences Court, Ikeja, Lagos on June 9, 2026. She pleaded not guilty to two counts of obtaining money by false pretence and stealing. The alleged fraud involves falsely representing ownership of a Lekki property to Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited. Justice Oshodi remanded her in EFCC custody pending her bail application hearing on July 16, 2026. In a separate N36 million fraud case, Justice Dipeolu granted her bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties. The N36 million trial commenced on June 5, 2026, with an EFCC investigator detailing how she allegedly received the money for a property she did not own. The trial continues on June 22, 2026, for further cross-examination. Blessing CEO had earlier claimed to have stage four cancer and raised funds from the public, prompting criticism from Verydarkman and Georgina Onuoha.

Blessing CEO Faces Fresh N69.1 Million Fraud Charge, Remanded in EFCC Custody

Abductions, Killings Are Sponsored to Undermine Tinubu’s Administration – Akpabio

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has alleged that recent cases of mass abductions and widespread killings across parts of Nigeria are being sponsored by individuals and groups aiming to undermine the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Akpabio made the remarks on Tuesday during the commissioning of road projects in Abuja to mark President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office, where he praised the administration’s reforms and development projects.

According to him, critics who can no longer challenge the government on infrastructure delivery, economic reforms, petroleum sector changes and other policy achievements have resorted to sponsoring instability in order to discredit the administration.

“If you realise what is happening recently, when they realised that they can’t talk about projects, performance, good laws, transformation in the petroleum industry, subsidy removal that have been promised Nigerians for decades, they can no longer talk about the highrises in Abuja such as the NRS building, they resorted to paying young people and recruiting them to cause mayhem in the country,” he said.

The Senate President also alleged that terrorist and bandit groups are deliberately carrying out kidnappings to create the impression that Nigeria is unsafe, despite what he described as significant efforts by security agencies.

READ ALSO:

• “Can Anybody Stop Me?” — Ahmad Gumi Fires Back Over Ibadan Visit, Islamisation Claims
• FG Unveils New Measures to Tackle School Abductions as Lagos Boosts School Security
• Platini Sues FIFA, Infantino Over Alleged Plot to Block His FIFA Presidency Bid

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and support security operations, stressing that criminal elements were attempting to destabilise the country for political and economic gain.

“Our men and women in uniform have done tremendously well, but many people will not know, and that is why I keep saying that the devil you see today, you will soon see them no more. Elections will come and go, elections will never be our end; we will see the end of elections; it will never see our end,” Akpabio said.

His comments come amid renewed national concern over rising insecurity, including recent abductions of schoolchildren and teachers in different parts of the country.

In Oyo State, suspected armed men abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area after attacking communities in the area. Reports indicate that dozens of victims remain in captivity as security operations continue.

Similarly, in Borno State, students were reportedly abducted in a separate incident, adding to growing fears over repeated attacks on educational institutions despite ongoing government security interventions.

The incidents have intensified public debate over the effectiveness of Nigeria’s counter-kidnapping and counter-terrorism strategies, with calls for stronger intelligence-led operations and improved protection for vulnerable communities and schools.

While the Federal Government insists that security agencies are making progress in tackling banditry and terrorism, recent attacks have continued to raise concerns among citizens and stakeholders over the scale and persistence of insecurity across several regions of the country.

Abductions, Killings Are Sponsored to Undermine Tinubu’s Administration – Akpabio