Category: News

President Bola Tinubu is set to launch a series of key infrastructure projects in the Federal Capital Territory, beginning on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. The announcement came from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who conducted a final inspection tour on Monday to ensure readiness for the commissioning events, which are part of the administration’s third anniversary celebrations.

During the tour, Wike confirmed that the President will first inaugurate the second phase of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) main carriageways, a project he described as fully completed. The minister expressed satisfaction with the progress, noting that contractors had met their deadlines and delivered on promises. He stated, “Tomorrow, the President will start the commissioning of the OSEX road, which was the first place we visited this morning.”

The commissioning schedule includes a packed itinerary over several days. On Wednesday, June 10, Tinubu will commission the Arterial Road N5 in Life Camp, followed by the dualized Highway 105 (Airport-to-Kuje carriageway) on Thursday. These roads are expected to enhance connectivity and spur economic growth in outlying areas. Wike emphasized that all three projects are 100 percent complete and ready for inauguration.

Beyond the city center, the President will also visit satellite towns to inaugurate projects in area councils, reflecting the government’s commitment to rural development. While specific locations were not disclosed, Wike highlighted that the spread of projects demonstrates the administration’s dedication to improving lives across all parts of the territory.

Wike credited President Tinubu for providing the necessary support and directive to complete these projects, which were initiated by previous administrations. He said, “The credit must go to Mr. President, who has given that directive and support for us to go this far. One of the things about leadership is the will to continue projects that may not have been initiated by you, but you continue and complete those projects.”

On the topic of newly built FCT bus terminals that have not yet opened, Wike urged patience, explaining that the government is following due process. He noted that the Federal Executive Council has approved a Public-Private Partnership lease, and the concessionaire is currently assembling a modern fleet of buses and taxis to ensure smooth operations. “Government process is not easy; bureaucracy is involved, and once you have achieved that, be patient,” he added.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated fresh legal proceedings against three senior directors of the National Assembly, accusing them of involvement in a fraud scheme worth N337.06 million. However, the re-arraignment, scheduled for Monday at a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Jikwoyi, Abuja, was delayed due to preliminary objections raised by the defense.

The accused individuals are Aishatu Bappa El-Nafaty, Director of Public Affairs; Mamud Alhaji Abubakar, former Permanent Secretary; and Igba Ityoakura Joseph, Deputy Director of Procurement. The EFCC alleges they conspired between 2017 and 2019 to commit criminal breach of trust, forgery, official corruption, and diversion of funds.

During the court session, counsel for the second defendant, Muhammed Ndayako, filed a preliminary objection seeking to strike out six counts (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 18) of the amended charge. He argued that these counts are incompetent and attempt to revive charges previously quashed by the court on May 12, 2025.

In response, EFCC counsel Francis Usani stated that the prosecution received the objection only on June 5, 2026, just days before the hearing. He described the move as frivolous and aimed at obstructing the arraignment, urging the court to proceed with taking the defendants’ pleas.

The amended charge includes 23 counts, with one accusing El-Nafaty of dishonestly converting N89.87 million from National Assembly accounts into her personal account. Another count alleges she forged receipts from Fazah Integrated Services Limited between 2017 and 2018.

The first defendant also indicated plans to file a similar objection. Justice Muhammed Zubairu granted her 48 hours to do so and allowed the prosecution time to respond. The case was adjourned to September 23, 2026, for hearing on the preliminary objections.

The Nigerian Senate is set to deliberate on the final report regarding the establishment of state police within the week, according to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. He made this announcement during a press conference held in Abuja on Monday, emphasizing that the initiative is part of the National Assembly’s broader strategy to tackle the country’s escalating security issues.

Bamidele, who also serves as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, revealed that the committee is ready to present its findings and recommendations to the upper chamber. Once the proposal receives approval from the National Assembly, it will be forwarded to the 36 state legislatures for their consent, a critical step in the constitutional amendment process.

“We have resolved to move forward with the constitutional amendment that makes provision for state police, and I can confirm that this will be finalized this week without further delay,” Bamidele stated.

He disclosed that federal lawmakers have conducted multiple meetings with key stakeholders in recent weeks, including President Bola Tinubu, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, and Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu. These consultations were aimed at refining the proposed state policing framework to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with national security goals.

The move has been widely anticipated as a potential solution to Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, with proponents arguing that state-level policing could improve response times and local accountability. The Senate’s consideration this week marks a significant step toward potential implementation.

Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, has called on the nation’s banking sector to intensify efforts against terrorism financing and other illicit financial flows. During a Monday meeting with UBA Group Managing Director Oliver Alawuba at Army Headquarters in Abuja, Shaibu emphasized the financial industry’s crucial role in maintaining national stability and economic resilience.

Shaibu encouraged Alawuba, as head of the Body of Bank CEOs, to rally the banking community toward enhanced financial oversight and intelligence sharing, aiming to identify and prevent transactions linked to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and similar crimes. He noted that cutting off the financial support for criminal groups is vital to Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and security strategies.

The army chief also underscored the importance of improving personnel welfare as a foundation for operational effectiveness. In response, Alawuba pledged UBA’s continued support through specialized financial products, including mortgages, infrastructure funding, and welfare programs, as well as streamlined services for troops on peacekeeping missions abroad.

Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has refuted claims that he received financial support from Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a presidential aspirant for the African Democratic Congress (ADC). During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Lawal stated that if he ever needed money, he would simply reach out to President Bola Tinubu to obtain it.

He was responding to accusations from supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that he had taken money from Hayatu-Deen. Lawal challenged those making the allegations, saying, “Tell me who was there when he gave me the money. Maybe he’s yet to deliver it. I will go and collect it.”

Lawal emphasized that the issue was not about money, noting that Hayatu-Deen was offering his service and competence. He went further to assert that Hayatu-Deen is more competent than Atiku and that they cannot be compared. “Hayatu-Deen is more competent than Atiku. They can’t even be in the same boat,” Lawal stated.

The United Nations Human Rights Office has voiced deep concern over escalating violence targeting Christians and other religious minorities in northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt. In a statement released Monday, the OHCHR detailed reports of killings, abductions, sexual violence, and forced religious conversions.

The deteriorating security situation, the office said, has allowed extremist groups and armed actors to operate with near impunity, leaving civilians unprotected. Victims and survivors, the statement emphasized, deserve justice, reparations, and effective safeguards.

According to the UN body, religious minorities face sustained attacks, including assaults on places of worship, mass displacement, and mob violence often linked to blasphemy accusations. Women and girls are especially vulnerable, facing abduction, sexual exploitation, forced marriages, and coerced conversions. The OHCHR noted that those who resist these abuses are frequently threatened, punished, or killed.

The statement referenced specific cases submitted to Nigerian authorities, including the abduction and sexual assault of girls from a church in Borno State, forced conversions and child marriages in Bauchi State, and an attack on a 16-year-old girl whose hand was reportedly severed after her family rejected a forced marriage proposal. These incidents, the UN said, reflect a broader pattern of violence affecting communities across northern Nigeria, including village attacks, insecurity in displacement camps, and ongoing communal clashes.

Displaced women and girls remain at heightened risk of exploitation, with some allegedly forced into sexual acts in exchange for food or basic necessities. Others reportedly hide their religious identity to avoid attacks. The UN warned that if these allegations are confirmed, they could constitute serious violations of international human rights law.

The OHCHR urged Nigerian authorities to protect vulnerable communities, secure the release of abducted victims, conduct independent investigations, and prosecute perpetrators. The statement stressed that impunity for these crimes only exacerbates violence and called for urgent measures to prevent further abuses and ensure accountability.

In a coordinated effort to enhance border security, soldiers from the Nigerian Army and the Benin National Guard recently conducted a joint nighttime patrol through Cotonou, Benin Republic. The operation aimed to reduce criminal activities near the shared border.

Counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama shared details on X, confirming that the patrol occurred under the banners of Operation AWATSE and Operation A II, alongside the Benin National Guard. The patrol took place from 12:05 a.m. to 2:12 a.m. on June 8.

According to Makama, the joint mission focused on specific routes and key points in Cotonou to boost security, discourage illegal acts, and strengthen collaboration between the two nations’ security forces. No incidents were reported, and the patrol was deemed successful.

Makama emphasized the value of such operations: “The patrol ensured a strong security presence across the city while improving coordination, intelligence exchange, and interoperability among the units.” He added that these joint efforts are part of wider bilateral initiatives to tackle cross-border crime, improve border governance, and foster stability in West Africa.

“Regular joint patrols and collaborative operations are essential for addressing new security challenges and protecting communities along shared borders,” Makama concluded.

In a significant political development, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi recently called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar at his Abuja residence. The meeting, which took place on Monday, signals a potential thaw in relations following the contentious African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary.

Present during the visit was Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent Nollywood actor and ADC chieftain, along with other notable party figures. Although the specifics of their discussion remain undisclosed, the gathering underscores ongoing efforts to unify the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor, was a key contender in the ADC presidential primary, where Atiku emerged victorious. The other aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, finished third. Both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen had previously criticized the conduct of the primary, alleging irregularities.

Following his win, Atiku had reached out to his rivals, urging them to collaborate in the mission to rescue Nigeria. This latest visit by Amaechi is seen as a positive step toward mending fences and building a cohesive opposition front. Observers are keenly watching for any formal announcement regarding a possible alliance or unity pact.

According to Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Peter Obi’s primary political objective is merely to see his name appear on the presidential ballot paper. Speaking on Monday, Ahmad claimed the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate is not focused on winning but on personal branding.

In a post on X, Ahmad stated that Obi’s real ambition is to have his face on the ballot, regardless of the party’s strength. He added that Obi achieved this in 2023 and will do so again in 2027, and possibly even in 2031 if circumstances allow.

Obi, the former Anambra State governor, ran under the Labour Party banner in 2023, finishing third behind Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and the eventual winner, President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress.

The Labour Party has initiated legal proceedings against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the Federal High Court in Abuja, contesting what it perceives as the unjust omission of its candidate from the forthcoming senatorial by-election in Enugu North. The poll is slated for June 20, 2026.

Recall that the seat became available after the death of Senator Okey Ezea, who represented the Labour Party and passed away on November 18, 2025. Following the release of INEC’s schedule for by-elections, the LP formally informed the commission on May 11, 2026, about its plan to hold a primary on May 25, 2026.

During the primary, Ambassador Simon Ejike Eze emerged as the party’s unanimous candidate. However, the party claims that despite satisfying all legal and procedural requirements, it was barred from uploading the candidate’s details onto INEC’s nomination portal.

The party stated, “Despite multiple attempts, including formal complaints and letters to the commission before the submission deadline on June 2, 2026, we could not get the issue resolved.”

According to Ken Eluma Asogwa, the LP’s National Publicity Secretary, the party fulfilled every statutory and administrative duty mandated by the Electoral Act and INEC’s regulations concerning candidate nomination.

He added, “It is alarming that the head of Elections and Party Monitoring in Enugu State reportedly refused to forward the party’s primary election report because he was out of town on the day of the exercise and could not monitor it. This justification is unacceptable and raises concerns about the performance of official duties. The Labour Party should not be penalized for an official’s absence, negligence, or incompetence.”

The Labour Party argues that the validity of its primary is not contingent on INEC’s physical presence, as neither the Electoral Act nor INEC’s rules make such presence mandatory. The party insists that it fully complied with the requirement to notify the commission of its primary.

While expressing confidence in INEC’s leadership under Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, the LP calls for an immediate investigation into the actions of INEC staff in Enugu and appropriate disciplinary measures against any erring official.

The party warned, “Depriving the Labour Party of a candidate in an election to fill a seat left vacant by the death of one of its senators would be a grave injustice, undermining the rights of the party and its supporters, and limiting the democratic choices for voters in Enugu North.”