The Delta State Police Command says it has arrested a 22-year-old man who allegedly staged his own kidnapping, detained two people accused of spreading false information about a fatal road crash, and rescued a two-week-old baby from suspected child traffickers.

Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi said the incidents demonstrate the command’s efforts to tackle both traditional crimes and emerging threats such as online misinformation during a press briefing in Asaba on Friday.

Why it matters

The three cases highlight growing concerns over false kidnapping claims, the spread of misinformation on social media and child trafficking, all of which can divert security resources and undermine public trust.

Security experts say fabricated crime reports consume police time that could otherwise be used to respond to genuine emergencies, while online misinformation can fuel public panic and damage confidence in law enforcement.

Police say man admitted staging own kidnap

According to the police, officers received a distress call on 1 July reporting that Michael James, 22, had disappeared after leaving home to dispose of refuse, with alleged kidnappers demanding ₦25 million for his release.

Police said intelligence-led operations led officers to surrounding bushes where the suspect emerged, claiming he had escaped from kidnappers.

During interrogation, police said James confessed to staging the kidnapping after spending money given to him by his sister and hoping to recover the funds through a ransom payment.

He remains in police custody while investigations continue.

Police dismiss claims over Ughelli crash

The command also announced the arrest of two suspects accused of originating and circulating false social media reports linking police officers to a fatal road crash on the Ughelli–Patani Expressway on 27 June.

According to the police, investigations showed that the accident involved a newly purchased, unregistered Mercedes-Benz GLK SUV driven by a civilian, Agofure Gift, 27.

Police said the vehicle collided with a commercial tricycle, killing Catherine Umokoro, 51, while four other people sustained injuries.

The command insisted that no police officer or police vehicle was involved in the crash.

Following digital forensic investigations, police arrested Egoh Best Akpobome, 35, and Omonigho Jitobor, 42, who are alleged to have created and circulated the false narrative online.

The suspects are expected to be charged after investigations are concluded.

Newborn rescued from suspected traffickers

In a separate operation, officers attached to the Ozoro Division rescued a two-week-old baby boy after receiving a complaint from the child’s mother.

Police said the woman reported giving birth on 15 June before being told by another woman identified only as “Mama” that the baby would be taken to an orphanage.

When she later requested to see her child, she was allegedly denied access and reported the matter to police.

Investigators arrested Evelyn Otubo and Esther Joseph, who police allege were in possession of the child while waiting for an intending buyer.

The baby was rescued unharmed and reunited with his mother.

Commissioner warns against fake reports and child trafficking

Commissioner Oyeniyi said the command remains committed to intelligence-led policing and ensuring offenders are prosecuted.

“These cases underscore the command’s resolve not only to combat conventional crimes but also to tackle emerging threats such as disinformation, misinformation and fake news.”

He added:

“The arrest and subsequent prosecution of these suspects will serve as deterrence to others.”

The commissioner also urged parents to remain vigilant against child traffickers and advised families to pay attention to relatives who may attempt to stage kidnappings for financial gain.

Industry and public perspective

Security analysts say social media has become an increasingly important source of information during emergencies but warn that unverified posts can quickly spread false narratives.

Child protection advocates have also repeatedly urged parents and guardians to report suspicious movements involving children promptly, noting that swift reporting often improves the chances of successful rescue.

What’s next?

Police say investigations into all three cases are ongoing.

The command has appealed to residents to continue providing timely and credible information that will assist security agencies in maintaining public safety across Delta State.

Nigeria’s Minister-designate for Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has denied reports claiming he promised to fix Nigeria’s troubled electricity grid within three months.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Tegbe’s spokesperson said several media reports had “misrepresented” comments made during his Senate screening on May 6, 2026.

According to the statement, Tegbe did not give a three-month deadline for fixing the national grid but instead said timelines for reforms were still being worked out following technical assessments and consultations with stakeholders.

What Tegbe actually said

The clarification followed widespread online reports suggesting the minister-designate vowed to resolve Nigeria’s electricity crisis within 90 days if confirmed.

However, his media team said Tegbe only promised that initial efforts to stabilize the power grid would begin within his first 100 days in office.

The statement quoted him as saying:

“My promise to this chamber and to Nigeria is that Nigerians will see visible improvement in the sector.”

It added that Tegbe acknowledged that broader reforms including improving sector credibility, fixing gas supply issues, and expanding metering infrastructure could take up to a year.

During the screening, he also pledged to modernize power infrastructure, improve commercial frameworks, and strengthen accountability across Nigeria’s electricity value chain.

On electricity tariffs, the minister-designate reportedly said reforms would aim to protect vulnerable Nigerians while also ensuring sustainability and investor confidence in the sector.

Why Nigeria’s power crisis matters

Nigeria has struggled with unreliable electricity supply for decades despite multiple reforms and billions of dollars invested in the sector.

Frequent grid collapses, poor transmission infrastructure, gas shortages, and low metering penetration have continued to affect homes and businesses across the country.

According to industry analysts, expectations around Tegbe’s appointment are high because stable electricity remains central to economic growth, manufacturing, digital innovation, and small business survival.

Energy economist Kelvin Emmanuel has previously argued that fixing Nigeria’s power challenges requires “deep structural reforms” rather than short-term political promises.

Many Nigerians also remain skeptical of reform pledges due to previous unmet targets announced by successive administrations.

Industry and public reaction

Power sector stakeholders say the clarification may help reset public expectations around the scale of Nigeria’s electricity problems.

Some analysts noted that improving transmission networks, expanding metering, and resolving gas supply constraints are long-term projects that require major investment and policy consistency.

Business owners, meanwhile, continue to face rising operating costs driven by dependence on diesel and petrol generators.

For many households, electricity shortages have also worsened inflationary pressures and reduced quality of life.

Focus on tariffs and investor confidence

One key area likely to generate public debate is electricity tariff reform.

Successive governments have faced pressure from power generation and distribution companies demanding cost-reflective tariffs, while consumers continue to complain about poor service delivery.

Tegbe’s comments suggest the incoming administration may attempt a balancing act between protecting low-income consumers and attracting investment into the sector.

Experts say investor confidence will depend heavily on policy stability, regulatory transparency, and improved revenue collection across the electricity market.

What happens next?

Tegbe is expected to continue engagements with lawmakers, regulators, operators, and industry stakeholders as part of plans to shape the administration’s power sector roadmap.

His spokesperson, Adeola A. Adelabu, said the minister-designate remained committed to “disciplined execution, transparency, and measurable progress” in tackling Nigeria’s electricity challenges.

The statement also called for accurate media reporting and encouraged journalists to seek clarification where necessary.

Wema Bank has marked its 81st anniversary alongside the ninth anniversary of its digital banking platform, ALAT by Wema, with a series of customer reward initiatives and new engagement campaigns.

The bank said the celebrations, held on May 2, 2026, would focus on giving back to customers rather than hosting large-scale events.

As part of the anniversary, Wema Bank is launching the fifth season of its “5 for 5” reward programme, alongside in-app rewards for ALAT users.

Why it matters

The move reflects a growing shift in Nigeria’s banking sector towards digital-first services and customer engagement.

Since its launch in 2017, ALAT has helped reshape how many Nigerians interact with financial services, offering account opening, payments and savings tools without requiring physical branch visits.

This comes at a time when competition among banks is intensifying, particularly in digital banking and financial inclusion.

‘Helping customers adapt to a changing world’ — CEO

Speaking on the anniversary, Wema Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Moruf Oseni, said the initiative was designed to support customers in an evolving digital economy.

“The world is rapidly evolving. Digital evolution and emerging technologies continue to present newer opportunities and realities,” he said.

“To thrive, one must be prepared to adapt where needed and ready to leverage the possibilities ahead; and this is what we want to help our customers achieve.”

He added that the bank is focused on building a financial ecosystem that aligns with customer needs.

“We are building a smarter and more secure financial future for our customers, one where banking is effortlessly aligned with their goals.”

ALAT at 9: From digital banking to ecosystem

Wema Bank says ALAT has evolved into a broader financial ecosystem over the past nine years.

The platform now includes savings tools such as ALAT Goals, payment solutions, and features aimed at improving financial access.

To mark the milestone, the bank has launched the “ALAT at 9” campaign, featuring interactive activities and rewards.

These include:

Personalised “ALAT Wrapped” summaries of users’ activity

A “9 features in 9 days” engagement challenge

Instant rewards for transactions completed at specific times

A jingle challenge encouraging user-generated content

‘Making banking more interactive’ — Chief Digital Officer

Wema Bank’s Chief Digital Officer, Olusegun Adeniyi, said the campaign aims to make banking more engaging.

“With ALAT at 9, we are transforming routine banking into an interactive experience,” he said.

“By combining personalized insights, gamified missions, and real rewards, we are creating a platform that responds to users in a more dynamic and rewarding way.”

Customer impact and industry perspective

Analysts say initiatives like this could help deepen customer loyalty and drive digital adoption in Nigeria’s banking sector.

For customers, the benefits are immediate — from rewards to easier access to financial tools.

For the wider economy, increased use of digital banking platforms could support financial inclusion, especially among younger users and small businesses.

What’s next

Wema Bank says the anniversary activities will run throughout May 2026, with customers encouraged to update or download the ALAT app via app stores.

More details are available via the bank’s official website:

👉 https://wemabank.com