News
DAY 2: Cardinal-electors vote in historic conclave to choose next Pope
The Director of Public Communications, Lagos Catholic Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godono, on Thursday confirmed that the 133 Cardinal-electors for the new Pope would return to the Sistine Chapel to elect a new Pope after their first ballot on Wednesday failed to produce a new Pope.
Godono, spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria described the process as flawless as the cardinals decisions were being directed by the Holy Spirit.
The Lagos archdiocesan communications director, spoke on the process, said that after the first ballot, no Pope elected that the trend has been for centuries.
“Today, May 8, the Cardinal-electors will return this morning to continue with voting until a Pope is elected.
The Cardinals are expected to have two rounds of votes this morning and two more in the evening if we do not have a Pope elected in this morning’s session.
“Black smoke emanated from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel yesterday evening, indicating no new pope was elected during the first round of voting.
“One hundred and thirty-three red-robed cardinals from around the world have filed into the Sistine Chapel to the strains of a choir backed by organ music, and the doors were sealed behind them.
“The papal conclave — a centuries-old tradition to elect a new head of the Catholic Church,” he said.
He said that the announcement of a new pope will be made with white smoke billowing from the Apostolic Palace. Soon after, the new pope will emerge onto the balcony to greet his flock.
The cardinal electors faced a stark choice to select a pope who would follow in the footsteps of late Pope Francis, an Argentine reformer who advocated for migrants and the environment, or one who would guide the Catholic Church down a more traditional path.
NAN reports that the meticulous selection process has kept the world in suspense for weeks after the demise of Pope Francis
(NAN)
News
Gwer West LG Council Takes Stand Against Youth Violence
The Gwer West Local Government Council, in collaboration with the Tyoshin Traditional Council, has taken drastic measures to curb the rising tide of youth violence in the area, following the brutal murder of Local Government Youth Leader, Mr. Peter Iorkohol, and Mr. Tarbo Samson.
Our Correspondent Francis Terlumum tha the council took some far reaching decisions that All youth-related activities are suspended indefinitely.
Youth leaders at all levels are relieved of their duties with immediate effect, Security agencies are urged to intensify investigations and prosecute perpetrators, Parents and guardians are warned to take responsibility for their children’s action, Any individual found culpable will face strict sanctions, including expulsion from the community
The councils expressed grave concern over cultism and related violent offenses, which threaten peace and community cohesion. They vowed to take firm action to restore order and stability in the local government
Gwer West local government is one of the local councils in state that is worse hits by armed Fulani herders attacks for over 15 years leaving many residents in IDP camps.
In an interview with the Traditional ruler of the local government Chief Daniel Abomtse the local government has started witnessing relative peace following the efforts of Governor Hyacinth Alia and president Ahmad Tinibu efforts in bringing peace.
He was however worried while the Youths will chose the path of criminality when their communities are ran Sacked by Terrorist herders and call for a change of actutude.
Meanwhile normacy has returned to the area and business and human activities have resumed.
News
Security Beefed Up at JAMB Exam Centres – Police
The Nigeria Police Force has deployed extra security personnel, including rapid response teams, across all Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) centres nationwide ahead of the 2026 JAMB exams scheduled to begin on April 16, 2026.
In a statement, the police dismissed circulating rumours of insecurity threats at certain examination centres, particularly in a North Central state, describing them as unfounded. The Force said it has put in place both overt and covert security measures to ensure a safe and hitch-free examination process for candidates.
“Extra security has been deployed at examination centres nationwide, both overtly and covertly, to prevent any untoward incidents,” the police said. This includes increased patrols, perimeter checks, surveillance, and rapid response teams stationed at strategic locations.
The police spokesperson reassured candidates, parents, and the general public of adequate protection throughout the examination period and urged them to remain calm and go about their activities without fear.
The proactive deployment is part of broader efforts to guarantee the safety and orderliness of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres where millions of candidates are expected to sit for the 2026 UTME conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Candidates have also been advised to avoid fake websites and other scams targeting UTME registration and preparation.
The police called on all stakeholders to support the measures and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.
News
Federal High Court Grants Bail to Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai
Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, in the ongoing corruption case instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The ruling was delivered on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, after arguments on the bail application were heard. El-Rufai, who has been in ICPC custody following his arraignment on a nine-count amended charge bordering on alleged fraud, abuse of office, and violations of the Corrupt Practices Act, among others, is now expected to meet the bail conditions set by the court.
Details of the bail terms, including the amount and any additional conditions such as sureties or restrictions, are yet to be fully disclosed in some reports, though sources indicate it was granted on liberal or specified terms.
Meanwhile, at the parallel proceedings in the Kaduna State High Court presided over by Justice Darius Khobo, the ruling on El-Rufai’s bail application in the same ICPC matter has been reserved and adjourned to April 21, 2026. As a result, El-Rufai remains in ICPC custody regarding the state high court case.
The former governor was arraigned on the amended charges after the ICPC dropped one co-defendant, allowing the trial to proceed against him alone. His legal team, including senior advocates, had argued strongly for bail, describing him as a responsible citizen with no risk of jumping bail.
The development comes amid heavy security presence around the court premises in Kaduna, with significant public interest in the high-profile case involving allegations of financial misconduct during El-Rufai’s administration as governor.
This bail grant by the Federal High Court represents a partial relief for the former governor, even as the substantive trial continues in both courts. Further updates on compliance with bail conditions and the next hearing dates are expected shortly.
-
Entertainment2 days agoTuface, Laolu Gbenjo, others set to electrify Vanguard Personality of the Year Award
-
News2 days agoNUPENG Braces Up for Leaderships Change
-
News2 days agoNAF Jilli Airstrike: Bomb Don’t Know Who’re Terrorists
-
Entertainment2 days agoAsha Bhosle: Bollywood’s legendary singer dies aged 92
-
Politics2 days agoHayatu-Deen joins ADC Party
-
Health2 days agoFG effects 20% tarrif slash on pharmaceutical products
-
International2 days agoOil jumps 7% to above $100 ahead of US blockade of Strait of Hormuz
-
Crime3 days agoDozens Feared Dead in Nigerian Air Force Airstrike on Jilli Market in Yobe State (Images)
