Alhaji Fatai Abidemi Oyedele, a Peoples Democratic Party chieftain in Osun State, also known as Diekola Jagun, has died.

According to reports, the politician, who was born in Osogbo, passed away on Monday at the age of 69.

He was named chairman of the Osun State Board of Vocational and Technical Education.

He celebrated his 69th birthday in September.

More details later…..

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested three masquerades for allegedly displaying on the streets without authorisation and inflicting life-threatening injuries on innocent people.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Uyo on Monday, December 22, 2025.

Azare disclosed that the masquerades were arrested in the Eket Local Government Area of the state during the Ekid Day celebration, which was held on Saturday.

The CP noted that those injured by the masquerades were receiving medical treatment in undisclosed hospitals in the state.

He lamented that the action of the masquerades contravened the executive order recently signed by Governor Umo Eno banning masquerades from operating in the streets without due approval of the Police.

Two weeks ago, Eno had acknowledged his utmost respect for the culture and tradition, but stressed that his decision was prompted by the need to curb the menace of insecurity, chaos and nuisance perpetuated by masquerades, and to restore dignity and sanity in the society.

“The Command is in compliance with the Executive Order of the Akwa Ibom State Government restricting masquerade activities to approved locations with mandatory police permission and security coverage,” he said.

“This measure has significantly reduced violence and disorder.”

In November, the command arrested a leader of a masquerade cultural group commonly called ”Ekpo” Uwem Umanah over alleged criminal activities.

The suspect was arrested after a distress call received from a concerned citizen (name withheld), which revealed that the masquerade cultural group was attacking citizens, blocking a public highway, and extorting money from members of the public.

The federal government has declared Thursday, December 25, Friday, December 26, 2025, and Thursday, January 1, 2026, as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year celebrations.

This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Tunji-Ojo called for reflection on the values of love, peace, humility, and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.

He also urged Nigerians, regardless of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, security, and national progress, while supporting government efforts at national development and cohesion.

He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

“The Christmas season and the New Year present an opportunity for Nigerians to strengthen the bonds of unity, show compassion to one another, and renew our collective commitment to nation-building,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo also enjoined citizens to remain law-abiding, security-conscious and moderate in their celebrations, while cooperating with security agencies to ensure a peaceful festive period.

He wished all Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year