SATURDAY MAY 18 Top Stories

The Federal Government announced on Friday that it has ceased issuing electricity regulatory autonomy to state governments and has begun reviewing the policy. Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu stated that there is a lack of clear understanding among state governments and stakeholders regarding the operation of an electricity market.

On Friday, operatives of the Department of State Services caused a disturbance at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, roughing up two senior staff members: John Nnadi of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) and Chris Odoh, a Deputy Director.

In Asaba, Delta State, three children were rescued from a fire that destroyed a storey building on Obi Onuorah Crescent, behind Okowe Plaza.

The Kano State Police Command has confirmed an increase to 15 the number of people who died in an attack on a mosque in Gadan village, Gezawa Local Government Area. The attack involved a petrol bomb, reportedly set off by an individual who locked worshippers inside the mosque after dousing it with petrol.

In Yola, Adamawa State, a severe heatwave between May 1 and 13, 2024, has resulted in the deaths of over 200 people. Unofficial records from the Yola Cemetery Corporation suggest the death toll could be as high as 400.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, has criticized the judiciary, calling it the biggest threat to democracy in Nigeria. He highlighted a decline in judicial integrity, suggesting that the judiciary, not the Independent National Electoral Commission, is the main problem facing the country.

A fire broke out at a tank farm in Apapa, Lagos State, reportedly belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. The Lagos Fire Service noted the incident, which was captured on video and shared on social media. However, the NNPCL denied the fire occurred at its depot, attributing it instead to a pipeline at Honeywell Oil and Gas.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar stated that his political future would be determined by members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as the 2027 general elections approach. He mentioned it was too early to decide on a presidential bid.

Dr. Anuoluwapo Adepoju, a medical doctor and founder of MedContour Services Ltd., has been convicted by the Federal High Court in Lagos. The conviction stems from a failed plastic surgery in 2020 that led to the death of Nneka Onwuzuligbo.

The Kwara State Police Command is investigating the mysterious disappearance of the umbilical cord and placenta of a newborn at Government Cottage Hospital in Iloffa, Oke-Ero Local Government Area. Five health workers are being detained by the Criminal Investigation Department’s General Investigation Unit in Ilorin as suspects in the case.