Category: News

The Yoruba sociopolitical group, Afenifere, has voiced strong criticism over the handling of insecurity in Nigeria, asserting that those in power are failing to take necessary actions. In a recent statement, the organization’s spokesperson, Comrade Jare Ajayi, pointed out that the refusal of northern authorities to address banditry is having dire consequences for the entire nation.

Ajayi specifically took issue with the Katsina State government’s explanation regarding the death of General Rabe Abubakar, who they claimed died from natural causes. He argued that such narratives provide cover for criminals. “By attributing the general’s death to natural causes, the state government is essentially giving bandits a free pass to continue their atrocities,” Ajayi stated.

He further emphasized that the inaction of northern leaders is exacerbating security challenges in the southern regions, including Yorubaland. Terrorist activities in the Southwest, he noted, are linked to bandits originating from the north, a fact corroborated by security officials.

Ajayi also referenced a concerning disclosure by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who revealed that abductors of schoolchildren in the state are hiding in a forest spanning ten local government areas. This revelation, according to Afenifere, underscores the severity of the security threat in the heart of Yoruba territory.

The group lamented that recent abductions of students in Oyo and Borno states have cast a shadow over Nigeria’s celebration of 27 years of uninterrupted civil rule. To combat this crisis, Afenifere called on Southwest governors to collaborate on regional security measures while pressuring the federal government to take more resolute action against insecurity nationwide.

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has officially launched a 12-person task force to facilitate the smooth commencement of academic activities at the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh (UAST). The event took place on Wednesday at the Old Banquet Hall within the Government House in Makurdi, as confirmed by a statement from Sir Tersoo Kula, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary.

Prof. Leonard Shirgba has been appointed as the chairman of this committee, while Dr. Johnson Echor, the university’s registrar, will serve as its secretary. During the inauguration, Governor Alia emphasized that the university is designed to be a premier center for agriculture, science, technology, and entrepreneurship, aiming to arm the youth with practical skills and innovative thinking necessary for economic growth.

Alia pointed out that UAST aligns perfectly with his administration’s vision of fostering a knowledge-driven economy powered by technology, innovation, and research to generate sustainable development opportunities. He further noted that the institution will play a pivotal role in enhancing Benue’s reputation as Nigeria’s food basket by promoting research-led agricultural methods, value addition, and contemporary farming techniques.

The governor charged the task force with establishing a solid foundation for the university’s successful debut, ensuring that all critical infrastructure, policies, systems, and resources are in place. “This university represents more than just a physical structure; it is a strategic investment in the future of Benue State and the aspirations of our young people,” Alia stated. “We are creating a solution-oriented institution that will churn out graduates capable of generating employment, launching businesses, and driving economic progress.”

Expressing full confidence in the team’s expertise and integrity, Alia urged them to perform their duties with dedication, professionalism, and a sense of national pride. He also voiced optimism that UAST will evolve into a top-tier hub for academic distinction, innovation, entrepreneurship, and impactful research both within Nigeria and globally. The governor concluded by wishing the committee members success, wisdom, and divine guidance as they embark on this important assignment.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has emphasized that a just and transparent judiciary is critical for the survival of Nigeria’s democracy. Speaking at the 2026 annual national conference of Egbe Amofin Oodua in Ile-Ife, he called on judges and lawyers to remain committed to the rule of law and uphold the highest ethical standards.

Represented by Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, Adeleke noted that democratic progress faces numerous obstacles, and that the commitment of legal professionals to impartiality and ethics is essential for democracy to flourish. He said, “The legal profession stands as a bridge between power and justice, authority and accountability, government and the governed.”

The conference theme, “Advancing Constitutional Democracy, Accountability and Responsible Governance: The Role of Law,” echoes the challenges Nigeria and other democracies confront. Adeleke warned that selective enforcement of laws, delayed justice, and loss of public confidence in institutions threaten sustainable peace and development.

He described the Constitution as the highest expression of the people’s will, and argued that democracy’s strength depends not only on laws but on the dedication of institutions and citizens to apply them fairly. The governor urged judges to maintain integrity, independence, courage, and impartiality, stating that they must be guided solely by the law and the facts before them.

Adeleke reminded legal practitioners that they are not merely advocates for clients but custodians of justice whose primary duty is to preserve the legal system and advance justice. He cautioned that perceptions of bias, favoritism, corruption, or undue influence can erode public trust and weaken courts’ moral authority. He stated, “Public confidence in the judiciary is one of democracy’s most valuable assets and must be protected at all costs.”

The governor stressed that judicial transparency is increasingly vital in electoral processes, and that court interventions in election disputes must be rooted in law, evidence, fairness, and constitutional principles. He urged political actors to respect lawful conduct, democratic values, and peaceful engagement, emphasizing that political competition must never undermine respect for the law or the integrity of democratic institutions.

The escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran, with Israel drawn into the fray, are fanning the flames of a global energy crisis, according to Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwoland. In a statement released on Thursday through his Chief Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, the monarch stressed that the conflict is compounding economic strains and jeopardizing energy security for many nations.

Oba Akanbi lauded the Dangote Refinery as a vital safeguard that has prevented the Nigerian economy from collapsing under the weight of international energy disruptions. He noted that the facility, spearheaded by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has played a pivotal role in stabilizing local fuel costs and mitigating the fallout from soaring global prices for the average Nigerian.

“Divine providence smiled on us by giving us a fellow Nigerian, a black man, who privately funded a refinery that can export fuel to developed countries. In the absence of the Dangote Refinery, Nigerians would be paying up to N10,000 for a litre of petrol,” the traditional ruler declared, underscoring the facility’s contribution to domestic supply.

He pointed out that the refinery’s operations have equipped Nigeria with a strategic edge at a time when numerous countries face shrinking fuel inventories and heightened economic instability. Dangote’s investment, he added, has elevated Nigeria’s position in the global energy arena.

The monarch also welcomed latest production capacity figures, confirming that the facility has scaled up from 650,000 barrels per day to 700,000 barrels per day after performance assessments by its process licensors, as announced by Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited.

Oba Akanbi described this expansion as a historic milestone for what is known as the world’s largest single-train petroleum refinery. He believes it will enhance Nigeria’s reputation as the “Giant of Africa” by supplying both domestic and international markets, including exports to African nations, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. Refined products have also reached the United States, and jet fuel shipments have extended to Saudi Arabia.

In recognition of Dangote’s economic impact, the Oluwo conferred upon him the title “Chief Atayero of Nigeria,” meaning “The Refiner of Nigeria,” emphasizing that Dangote is “the first black man to achieve such enormous economic reach.” He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for backing the project and urged continued collaboration to achieve future expansion goals.

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has clarified that no television or radio station in Nigeria is penalized without prior notice. According to the commission, outlets that face fines, license suspensions, or other enforcement actions have been repeatedly cautioned for violating the broadcasting code.

This statement was made by Ijeoma Theo-Obodo, the South-East Zonal Director of NBC, during the 13th Vision Africa Training Institute held in Umuahia, Abia State. She emphasized that the NBC does not act arbitrarily or single out broadcasters unfairly.

Theo-Obodo explained that the commission’s primary role is to preserve the integrity of the airwaves and shield audiences from harmful or inappropriate content. She dismissed allegations that the NBC is harsh or biased in its regulatory approach.

She further urged the public to report any offensive material or unprofessional broadcasts to the NBC for proper review and action. The zonal director also noted that some musical works, even those labeled as religious, are not suitable for general listening and may breach broadcasting standards.

During the event, Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Methodist Archbishop Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha called on media professionals to harness artificial intelligence for national unity and progress rather than spreading misinformation or creating anxiety. They underscored the need for responsible use of technology in journalism.

The NBC representative commended the Vision Africa Institute for educating media practitioners on the ethical application of AI, highlighting the importance of training in maintaining broadcast standards.

A Bauchi State High Court has issued a stern warning to the Department of State Services (DSS), cautioning the agency against any actions that might violate a subsisting court order that bars it from entering a disputed piece of land in Firo village, Ganjuwa Local Government Area.

Justice Aliyu Bin Idris delivered the admonition on Thursday during proceedings in suit No. BA/251/2026, which was initiated by Hajiya Fatima Abdullahi, Ishaq Mohammed Kobi, and Murtala Ismail. The defendants in the case are the Bauchi State Ministry of Lands and Survey, the state’s Attorney General, and the DSS Bauchi State Command.

The presiding judge reaffirmed an earlier interim injunction that restrains the DSS and officials of the Ministry of Lands from interfering with the land near the Gubi Dam until the case is resolved.

Abdullatif Gwani Isa, counsel for the plaintiffs, explained after the session that the claimants took legal action after alleging that DSS operatives and ministry staff entered their farmland without notice, consultation, or legal authority, and began marking it for possible acquisition.

The court had previously granted an interim injunction to safeguard the claimants’ rights and preserve the status quo pending the hearing. Isa noted that the court again emphasized strict adherence to its order after reports emerged that activities on the land continued despite the injunction.

“The court ordered both the DSS and the Ministry of Lands to stay away from the farmland for purposes of acquisition, compensation assessment, or demarcation until the matter is determined and due process is followed,” Isa said.

He disclosed that while the Ministry of Lands has filed and served its response, the DSS has yet to do so. A motion for an interlocutory injunction could not proceed because the ministry had not completed service of its processes on the DSS.

The lawyer added that Justice Idris reminded counsel for both the DSS and the ministry to ensure their clients fully comply with the court’s directives before the next hearing.

Isa stressed that the claimants are not against lawful government acquisition of the land, as long as the Land Use Act is followed, including issuing acquisition notices and paying compensation where applicable.

One of the plaintiffs, Hajiya Fatima Abdullahi, told reporters that the claimants acquired the land lawfully through purchases and allocations from the Ganjuwa Local Government Authority and have occupied it without disturbance for years. They farmed and carried out other activities on the property until the dispute arose.

She stated that the Ministry of Lands acquired some portions in the area in 2020 for a DSS training school, but the acquisition did not include the land now in contention. Fatima further claimed that the DSS expressed interest in buying additional plots from her in 2024. She said she was willing to sell but received no response, so she continued offering the plots to other buyers.

She alleged that the DSS and ministry officials later entered the disputed property without acquisition notices or compensation and installed beacons and demarcated the area. She also claimed that some DSS personnel threatened landowners and warned them not to work on the property.

Fatima appealed to the court for justice, noting that part of the land belongs to orphans under her care.

Justice Idris adjourned the case to July 16, 2026, for hearing of the motion on notice and to allow proper service of the ministry’s processes on the DSS.

Ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, YIAGA Africa has raised concerns over the distribution of food items and cash to influence voters. Safiya Bichi, the organization’s Head of Knowledge Management and Learning, disclosed this during an appearance on Channels Television’s ‘The Morning Brief’ on Thursday.

Bichi noted that the election’s competitiveness would be significantly boosted if a high number of voters turn out on election day. She highlighted that items such as rice, Indomie noodles, money, and other food products are being shared, along with various promises made to sway electorates.

The YIAGA Africa official also addressed the widespread belief among Nigerians that their votes do not count. She emphasized that this narrative is prevalent not only in Ekiti but across the country. ‘If votes were meaningless, no one would be buying them,’ Bichi argued. She encouraged young people to recognize the power of their vote and to participate actively in the electoral process.

The Ekiti governorship election is set for June 20, 2026. Meanwhile, Joash Amupitan, the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has assured all stakeholders that the commission is fully prepared to conduct a peaceful, transparent, and credible election. INEC also reported an increase in registered voters in Ekiti, from 987,647 in 2023 to 1,059,360 in 2026.

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), under the Office of the National Security Adviser, is intensifying its campaign against the spread of illicit firearms across Nigeria. The agency is bolstering cooperation with various partners to achieve this goal.

In a recent move, NCCSALW Director-General Johnson Kokumo conducted a three-day working trip to Maiduguri, Borno State. The visit aimed to reinforce alliances and push forward strategies to curb the proliferation of small arms in the North-East region.

During a dinner and stakeholder engagement attended by officials from the Borno State Government and security bodies, Kokumo emphasized that closer collaboration among key institutions would substantially cut down the movement of illegal weapons, thereby enhancing national security. He was represented at the event by the Director of Administration and Finance, Brig.-Gen. M. S. Adamu.

Kokumo highlighted that the centre is working hand-in-hand with security agencies and other stakeholders to reclaim illicit arms for destruction. He added that the Federal Government has authorized the centre to prosecute those involved in illegal arms dealing, calling for sustained support and teamwork.

The NCCSALW was created by a 2024 Act of the National Assembly to tackle the proliferation, trafficking, unlawful possession, and misuse of small arms and light weapons. The North-East Zonal Centre, based in Maiduguri, covers Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states.

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, through his Special Adviser on Security, Brig.-Gen. Ishak, praised the centre’s work in fighting illegal arms and pledged ongoing state backing for its mission.

The North-East Zonal Director, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Adamu (retd), restated the centre’s dedication to strong partnerships for proper control, accountability, and lawful handling of recovered weapons.

Attendees included the Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisation Network in Borno State, Barrister Zana Mustapha, the Borno State NYSC Coordinator, and representatives from the DSS, NDLEA, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, along with senior NCCSALW officials.

During the visit, Kokumo also met with centre staff, urging professionalism and dedication. He inspected the ongoing construction of the North-East permanent site, paid a courtesy call on the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Maj.-Gen. A. E. Abubakar, and examined a proposed site for an armoury.

The Benue State Government has stepped forward to justify the use of the honorific ‘Her Excellency’ for Mrs. Scholastica Terngu Bensor, the Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia and Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady. In a statement released on Thursday, Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, asserted that criticisms of the title stem from a lack of understanding of governance protocols and are fueled by political misinformation.

Kula clarified that ‘Her Excellency’ is a standard title for women in high-ranking public roles or those tasked with significant government duties, not exclusively for governors’ or presidents’ spouses. He noted that the title is commonly applied to female leaders such as ambassadors, ministers, and women coordinating major public service and humanitarian initiatives.

The spokesperson explained that the Office of the First Lady is not a constitutionally mandated executive office but rather a humanitarian and social intervention framework that varies by state. He pointed to precedents in Akwa Ibom and Edo states, where appointees coordinating First Lady-related activities are officially recognized as ‘Her Excellency’ during their duties.

Kula emphasized that Governor Alia has the constitutional authority to appoint qualified individuals to advance his administration’s agenda, particularly in humanitarian and social welfare sectors. He praised Mrs. Bensor’s competence and dedication, highlighting her effective coordination of programs for vulnerable groups across Benue State.

The statement urged the public to approach governance discussions with factual understanding rather than political bias, stressing that such offices are established to support government programs and not to create parallel authority structures.

A 48-year-old man is in police custody for allegedly luring a 13-year-old domestic worker into his home and keeping her overnight. The suspect, identified as Adamu Mohammed, resides alone in Yolde Pate, a neighborhood in Yola South Local Government Area, Adamawa State.

The Adamawa State Police Command disclosed the incident, revealing that the girl had been reported missing by her employer earlier. Extensive searches were conducted before the employer officially filed a missing person report, according to police spokesperson SP Suleiman Nguroje.

Nguroje confirmed that Mohammed lured the minor into his apartment and subjected her to sexual assault throughout the night. The girl was eventually located, and Mohammed was arrested. The police spokesman assured that after a thorough investigation, the suspect will face prosecution.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of domestic workers, particularly minors, in the region. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving children.