By Adenike Lawal

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made an unannounced visit to the Nigerian Immigration Service passport office in Gwagwalada, Abuja, on Tuesday, criticizing slow processing and warning applicants against paying unofficial fees.

Inspecting the VIP and Children sections, Tunji-Ojo questioned why services had not started on time and expressed concern over long waiting periods. “I don’t want to hear that money is being collected for diesel or paper. Nigerians have already paid for their passports in full. Serve them diligently,” he said.

The minister noted that operations began an hour late due to a generator issue and condemned the practice of completing enrolment for all applicants before starting biometric capturing. “People are waiting here. Some have work and other commitments. Why must enrolment be completed for everyone before capturing begins?” he asked.

He also highlighted under-utilization of the VIP and Children sections and urged staff to serve applicants efficiently, reminding them, “Nigeria has no VIPs. Wearing this uniform is about sacrifice. You are here to serve the people.”

By Adenike Lawal

An Abuja division of the Federal High Court has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish the names of African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidates for the February 21, 2026, Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The ruling, delivered by Justice Mohammed Umar on Tuesday, followed a suit by 17 ADC aspirants challenging INEC’s refusal to grant the party electronic access to upload its candidates’ details. The court held that the claimants provided credible evidence and ordered INEC to recognise and publish the plaintiffs as duly nominated ADC candidates.

The court also instructed INEC to restore the party’s portal access to enable the submission of candidates’ names, citing the Electoral Act 2022 and the commission’s election guidelines. Among those to be uploaded are Jafaru Shaibu, Ayenajeyi Yakubu, Dauda Awode, Ezra Zaki, Sunday Abraham, Ayuba Adam, and others.

The plaintiffs argued that INEC blocked their submissions despite the withdrawal of earlier nominees and proper completion of Forms EC9 and EC13. Disputes over signatures under the current ADC leadership, headed by David Mark, had prompted the commission’s initial refusal.

Justice Umar’s judgment ensures the immediate publication of the ADC candidates ahead of the FCT polls, resolving the impasse and clearing the way for the party’s participation.

By Adenike Lawal

The family of late Afrofuji musician Destiny Boy, born Afeez Adeshina, has appealed to the public for help after his SUV reportedly went missing shortly after his death.
In a video circulating on social media on Tuesday, the singer’s father said the vehicle, bought from Lycon Autos, was returned to the dealership days after Destiny Boy passed away and has not been seen since. He explained that the driver assigned to deliver the SUV later claimed the singer owed him money and, without informing the family, returned the car to the dealership.

“I have no contact with the driver and would have retrieved the vehicle myself if it were still at home,” the father said, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Destiny Boy, 22, was confirmed dead on Sunday. His mother revealed he had been battling a prolonged illness known locally as “Ogu oru,” which caused frequent seizures and worsened over time despite both medical and traditional interventions. She said his condition deteriorated soon after the naming ceremony of his child, leading to multiple hospital visits.

The mother also dismissed rumours linking her son to money rituals, describing them as false and harmful, and emphasised that the family did everything possible to care for him before his death.