Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) on Saturday conducted local government bye-election despite court restraining order.

The bye-election was an instance of a resolution by the Edo State House of Assembly, which cited the need to fill alleged 59 vacant councillorship seats, arising from the local government crisis in the early months of the current administration.

But the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) filed an ex-parte motion challenging the legality of the planned election.

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The PDP in the suit marked: B/247M/2025, among others, sought permission to initiate judicial review proceedings against EDSIEC’s decision, arguing that the tenures of the affected councillors remain valid until September 2026.

The PDP prayers were granted, and Justice Mary E. Itsueli, sitting as a vacation judge, issued a restraining order on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

But EDSIEC defied the court order and went ahead with the by-election across 59 wards, in 15 local government areas of the state.

The election was, however, boycotted by other political parties making it an affairs of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

READ ALSO:Court Restrains EDSIEC, Edo Govt From Conducting LG By-elections

Meanwhile, journalists who went out to cover the election were assaulted by political thugs at Asoro Primary School in Oredo Ward 9.

The journalists were carrying out interviews and taking pictures when a man who claimed to be an agent of the APC confronted them (journalists), accused them of working for the PDP, and thereafter, with assistance from other thugs, assaulted the journalists.

The journalists phones and jotters were seized by the thugs who deleted all recorded voices, images, and videos from the devices before returning them, after long harassment, intimidation.

Tottenham Hotspur battled from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against Brighton and Hove Albion in a dramatic Premier League clash at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.

The Seagulls made a flying start when Yankuba Minteh struck in the 8th minute to put the home side ahead. His early goal set the tone for Brighton, who dominated possession and kept Spurs on the back foot.

Their pressure paid off again in the 31st minute as Swedish midfielder Yasin Ayari doubled the lead with a composed finish, sending the home fans into wild celebrations.

Tottenham, however, refused to be blown away. Brazilian forward Richarlison pulled one back in the 43rd minute, latching on to a precise pass before beating the goalkeeper to cut Brighton’s lead in half just before the break.

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The second half was tightly contested, with Brighton looking to restore their cushion and Spurs pressing for an equaliser. Their persistence eventually paid off in the 82nd minute when Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke put the ball into his own net under pressure, gifting Tottenham the leveller.

Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but the points were shared after an intense 90 minutes on the south coast.

The result means Brighton maintain their strong home form but will be disappointed after letting a two-goal advantage slip, while Spurs will see the comeback as a display of resilience on the road.

The draw leaves Tottenham five points adrift of the Premier League leaders, while Brighton remains in mid-table, reflecting their inconsistent start to the season.

The National Emergency Management Agency, Kano Operations Office, has received 148 Nigerian migrant returnees from Sudan as part of ongoing efforts to facilitate the safe return of Nigerians abroad.

According to a statement released on Saturday by NEMA, the returnees arrived at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport aboard a chartered flight operated by Tarco Aviation at approximately 14:30 hours on Friday.

They included 25 men, 27 women, 39 male children, and 57 female children.

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The statement by NEMA explained that upon arrival, “the returnees were transported to the Chila Hotel for profiling and documentation by relevant stakeholders.”

The statement added that the returnees were not enrolled in any reintegration programme.

“The returnees were not enrolled in any reintegration programme and were discharged and giving them transport fare by providing them with ATM card for withdrawals shortly after the completion of documentation and profiling,” NEMA said.

The statement described the exercise as “well-coordinated and successfully executed”.

The return of these migrants comes amid ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has displaced millions and strained the country’s infrastructure.

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The Federal Government, in collaboration with NEMA and international partners, continues to monitor the situation and provide assistance to citizens affected by the crisis in Sudan.

Furthermore, NEMA has been collaborating with international organizations to address the challenges faced by Nigerian migrants abroad.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has been instrumental in rescuing Nigerian girls from traffickers’ camps in Libya.