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.

Small businesses and food lovers took centre stage as Day One of the Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) Food and Drink Festival 2026 opened in Lagos, with vendors reporting strong customer turnout and growing brand visibility.

The three-day festival, holding at GTCentre, is designed as a free platform for entrepreneurs to showcase products while connecting directly with consumers.

Vendors Report Strong Early Gains

For many small businesses, the first day delivered immediate results.

Oluwadamilola, a representative of Buzz Cocktails, attending for the first time, said the event had already driven customer traffic and online engagement.

“We’ve had a lot of customers, and people are already following us on Instagram,” the representative said, rating the experience “10 out of 10”.

She added that the exposure was helping to build brand awareness, with expectations of even higher sales in the coming days.

Returning Vendors Focus on Growth

For returning participants, the festival remains a strategic marketing tool.

Segun Morountonu, General Manager of Sophisticated Wobia, said his business was using the platform to showcase its range of pastries, drinks, and cakes.

“Our goal is to create awareness and bring customers to our store. Once people taste our products, they come back,” he said.

Morountonu, participating for the second year, added that the timing of the festival during Workers’ Day could further boost sales.

Small Business Success Stories Emerge

For some entrepreneurs, the festival is proving transformative.

Dolapo Daramola, founder of Ajara Foods, said her business had experienced rapid growth since launching last year.

“We sold out within four months. Now people know us, they follow us, and they come back to buy again,” she said.

She described the festival as a critical platform for visibility.

“This is a mighty opportunity. If we had to pay for this kind of exposure, it would cost millions.”

Despite challenges such as transportation costs and sourcing materials, she said the benefits outweighed the difficulties.

Consumers Drive Demand and Experience

Attendees also highlighted the festival’s growing appeal.

Qudus Adeniji, a returning visitor, described the experience as “fantastic,” noting improvements in organisation and crowd management.

“They keep improving it every year,” he said, though he noted some minor issues with vendor interactions.

First-Time Visitors Impressed

For newcomers, the festival offered variety and discovery.

Benita said the event met her expectations.

“There are a lot of new things to try,” she said.

A Hub for Food Discovery and Families

Another attendee, Mrs Ijeoma, said the festival helps consumers connect with brands they often see online but rarely visit.

“You can discover vendors close to your home and decide to visit them later,” she said.

She also highlighted the family-friendly setup, noting improvements in comfort, organisation, and planning over the years.

Corporate Vision Meets Market Reality

The Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO, Segun Agbaje, said the festival is built on connection and opportunity.

“Food connects cultures, tells stories, and creates moments that linger long after the experience itself.”

He added that the initiative supports entrepreneurs by providing free retail platforms and access to a wider audience.

“We continue to create opportunities for growth, visibility, and long-term impact.”

Why It Matters

Nigeria’s small business sector faces persistent challenges, including high operating costs and limited access to markets.

Events like the GTCO festival offer a rare opportunity for entrepreneurs to reach thousands of potential customers without the usual financial barriers.

For consumers, it provides access to a wide range of food options and emerging brands in one location.

What’s Next

With two more days to go, vendors are expecting higher turnout and increased sales, while organisers aim to sustain momentum and improve the overall experience.