Candidate Ajipe remains in the lead in the Ondo North senatorial contest despite disruptions to the collation process in Akoko South Federal Constituency, according to certified election results submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Figures collated from Oke Mapo and Ose collation centres show Ajipe leading the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency with 22,000 votes. Certified returns from Akoko North also indicate that Senator Jide Ipinsagba is ahead with more than 18,000 votes.

However, the final declaration of results has been delayed after the collation officer overseeing Akoko South Federal Constituency reportedly left with sensitive result documents, including materials said to be in the custody of Hon. Olabimtan.

The development has raised concerns among political stakeholders and residents awaiting the official outcome of the exercise.

Why the delay matters

The disruption has intensified scrutiny of the electoral process in Ondo North, particularly around transparency and adherence to collation procedures.

The National Primary Election Committee stated that results must be formally announced at the constituency collation centre in the presence of party agents before they are transferred to the senatorial collation centre.

Election observers say such procedures are essential to maintaining public trust in the credibility of electoral outcomes.

Political analysts also note that delays in result announcements often heighten tensions in closely watched contests, especially in politically active regions like Ondo North.

Ajipe still maintains lead

Despite the unresolved collation in Akoko South, stakeholders backing Ajipe argue that the current verified figures still place the candidate ahead in the senatorial district.

According to available data, the total number of accredited voters in Akoko South stands at 17,108.

Supporters of Ajipe insist that even if all accredited votes were allocated to a single opposing candidate, the verified results already announced from Owo/Ose and Akoko North would still leave Ajipe in a leading position.

“Results must be announced at the constituency collation centre in the presence of party agents before transfer to the senatorial collation centre,” the National Primary Election Committee said.

Calls for transparency and security

Stakeholders have called on INEC and security agencies to recover the missing collation materials and ensure their secure handling.

They also urged electoral authorities to strictly enforce established procedures, including public announcements in the presence of party representatives.

Security officials monitoring the exercise said groups of elders, youths and residents gathered around collation centres in Owo and Ose awaiting the official declaration of results.

Authorities appealed for calm while the process continues.

Political actors and community leaders were also urged to avoid actions capable of escalating tensions or undermining public confidence in the electoral process.

Public reaction and political implications

The delay has generated conversations among residents and political observers across Ondo State, with many calling for a swift and transparent resolution.

Election transparency advocates say the handling of the Akoko South situation could shape public perception of electoral credibility in future contests.

For many residents, the priority remains a peaceful conclusion to the process and the official certification of results in accordance with electoral guidelines.

What happens next?

INEC and security agencies are expected to continue efforts to recover the missing materials and conclude the collation exercise.

Once the process is completed, final senatorial district results are expected to be formally declared.

Observers say the coming hours could prove critical in determining both the outcome of the election and public confidence in the process.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says it has dismantled a transnational human trafficking and fraud syndicate operating in and around the Federal Capital Territory, rescuing 30 foreign nationals and arresting 13 suspects linked to the network.

Police said the operation followed intelligence reports about the disappearance of several foreign nationals who were allegedly lured into Nigeria with false promises of jobs and migration opportunities to Europe.

Authorities identified the alleged syndicate leader as Abdul Ngaki. Other suspects arrested include Fatimah Kulibali, Ahmad Kasango, Sidibe Musa, Muhammad Dembele, Saidu Traore, Ali Koulibaly, Abdul Ngeki, Ahmed Sirma, Laya Bando, Aisha Dembele, Abi Togo and Awa Tesure.

Victims allegedly lured with fake migration promises

According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the group targeted vulnerable young people from West African countries, particularly Mali and Gabon.

Victims were reportedly persuaded to pay transportation and processing fees with promises of relocation opportunities and lucrative jobs in Nigeria.

Police said the victims were later taken to residential locations in Mararaba and Karu in Nasarawa State, where they were allegedly held under exploitative and restrictive conditions.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon PlacId, said investigators uncovered a more disturbing pattern during the operation.

“Victims who could not meet additional financial demands were coerced into participating in staged kidnapping schemes orchestrated by the syndicate,” the statement said.

The police alleged that victims were forced to contact relatives in their home countries while pretending to have been abducted, pressuring families to send ransom payments into accounts controlled by the suspects.

Coordinated operation led to arrests

The Nigeria Police Force said operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) carried out coordinated raids on 7 May 2026 at hideouts located along Barrister Road, Rugan Dakachi, Nasarawa State.

The operation led to the rescue of all 30 victims, who police identified as Malian nationals.

Authorities said all 13 suspects were arrested in connection with the alleged trafficking and fraud operation.

Why this matters

Human trafficking remains a major security and humanitarian challenge across West Africa, with criminal networks increasingly exploiting economic hardship, unemployment and irregular migration routes.

Security analysts say syndicates often prey on young people desperate for better opportunities abroad, using fake recruitment offers and migration schemes to trap victims in forced labour, cyber fraud or extortion networks.

The latest arrests also highlight growing concerns about cross-border organised crime operating between Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

Civil society organisations have repeatedly called for stronger regional cooperation, victim protection systems and public awareness campaigns to combat trafficking.

Police promise wider crackdown

The Nigeria Police Force said investigations are ongoing and promised that everyone connected to the syndicate would face prosecution.

“The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to combating human trafficking, transnational organised crime, and all forms of exploitation,” the statement added.

The force also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious migration agents or trafficking-related activities to security agencies.

Industry and public reactions

Anti-trafficking advocates described the rescue as significant but warned that more needs to be done to protect migrants from exploitation.

Migration experts say social media has become a major tool used by traffickers to recruit vulnerable young people with promises of overseas jobs and scholarships.

Some residents in Nasarawa communities near the alleged hideouts also expressed shock over the scale of the operation, saying many suspected the buildings were ordinary residential apartments.

What happens next?

The rescued victims are expected to undergo profiling, medical support and further investigation as authorities work to identify additional members of the network.

Police say financial trails linked to the alleged ransom scheme are also being examined.

Authorities are expected to collaborate with foreign embassies and regional security agencies as investigations continue.

The Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN) has moved to address concerns surrounding the tenure of its National President and other executives following its National Convention held in Lagos State.

The convention took place on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, at Sulerious Lakeside Hotel in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, where new national officers emerged.

In a statement signed by the association’s National Publicity Secretary, Adebola Muili Isimijola, popularly known as “King Kakaki Safari”, FUMAN said recent comments questioning the tenure of its leadership made the clarification necessary.

The association maintained that the convention and elections were conducted in line with its constitution and democratic procedures.

Why the clarification matters

The debate over leadership tenure comes at a time when many cultural and entertainment associations in Nigeria are facing increasing scrutiny over governance, transparency, and internal democracy.

Fuji music remains one of Nigeria’s most influential indigenous music genres, with a strong cultural following across the South-West and beyond.

FUMAN said its constitution provides for the dissolution of the National Executive Council at every convention to allow fresh elections.

According to the association, the constitution does not place term limits on national, state, or zonal executives, including the offices of president, governors, and chairmen.

The group added that all elected officers derive legitimacy from the mandate given by members during conventions.

FUMAN defends election process

FUMAN described the convention as transparent and constitutionally compliant.

The association said the newly elected leadership reflects a mix of continuity and fresh representation.

According to the statement, six elected officers are serving third terms, five are serving second terms, while two are first-time office holders.

The association said this demonstrates the confidence members continue to place in the executives.

FUMAN did not indicate any immediate plans to amend its constitution regarding tenure limits.

Industry and cultural significance

Fuji music, which evolved from Islamic and Yoruba musical traditions, remains a major part of Nigeria’s cultural identity.

Over the years, Fuji artistes and associations have played important roles in preserving indigenous language, storytelling, and live performance culture.

Leadership stability within associations such as FUMAN could help strengthen welfare programmes for musicians, improve event coordination, and support the international promotion of Fuji music.

However, public disagreements over constitutional interpretation could also test unity within the industry if not carefully managed.

What FUMAN said

In its statement, the association urged members, entertainment stakeholders, and the public to disregard reports alleging constitutional breaches.

FUMAN also reaffirmed its commitment to peace, professionalism, and the promotion of Fuji music locally and internationally.

Newly elected FUMAN national officers

The newly elected officials include:

Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Agboola — President (Lagos State)

Alhaji Musbau Alani Omokekere — 1st Vice President (Lagos State)

Alhaji Ismail Adisa Owala — 2nd Vice President (Kwara State)

Prince Wasiu Iyanda Samila — Treasurer (Lagos State)

Alhaji Kamaldeen Dagold Kama ‘K’ — Financial Secretary (Ondo State)

Alhaji Azeez Alabi Adekola — Organising Secretary (Lagos State)

Adebola Muili Isimijola “King Kakaki Safari” — Publicity Secretary (Ondo State)

Ultimate Moshood Ayinde Abiodun Tardico — National General Secretary (Lagos State)

Alhaji Nurudeen Iyanda “Fasta Fosto” — Assistant General Secretary (Lagos State)

Oladele Siroma — Male Welfare Officer (Rivers State)

Queen Bukola Amoke Omodaddy — Female Welfare Officer (Ekiti State)

Prince Idowu Orlando — Male Ex-Officio (Ogun State)

Tawa Ajoke Yanbiu “Tawajudah” — Female Ex-Officio (Niger State)

What’s next?

FUMAN is expected to continue engaging members and stakeholders following the convention as the new executives begin their tenure.