Bandits Impose Levies on Sokoto Farmers, Bar Access to Farmlands
Reports emerged on Sunday that residents of at least 26 communities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State have begun pooling money to pay fresh levies imposed by bandits, who have barred them from accessing their farms ahead of the wet season. The armed groups issued a three-day ultimatum, warning farmers to stay off their farmlands until the demanded levies from the affected communities were paid.
Family Disputes Claims on Retired General’s Cause of Death, Says Wife Still in Captivity
The family of late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar has revealed that he died from a snakebite while in the custody of the bandits who abducted him, contradicting earlier reports linking his death to diabetes and hypertension. Speaking to Deutsche Welle, his son Isyaka Rabe said claims attributed to the Katsina State Government were inaccurate. The family also disclosed that the general’s wife, who was abducted alongside him, remains in captivity despite reports suggesting she had been freed, and appealed for urgent efforts to secure her release.
Defence Headquarters Vows Justice for Abducted General Who Died in Bandits’ Custody
The Defence Headquarters on Sunday vowed to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the abduction of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died while in the captivity of bandits. DHQ Chief Administration Officer, Major General I.M. Abdullahi, described the late general — a former Director of Defence Information — as a distinguished officer whose service and sacrifice to the nation would remain indelible.
Ondo Traditional Ruler Abducted in Late-Night Attack on His Residence
Gunmen have abducted Mr Adeniyi Adelana, the traditional ruler of Ode Oriya village in the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State. The monarch was reportedly seized during a late-night attack on his residence on Friday, June 13, at approximately 8:05 p.m.
Boat Mishap in Benue Claims 11 Lives, Including Pregnant Woman and Six Children
No fewer than 11 persons, including a pregnant woman and six children, have reportedly died in a boat mishap in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. The incident occurred between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday as the victims were crossing a river from Wadata to Daududawada community during a heavy downpour that swept across parts of Makurdi.
INEC Clears Eight Parties for Saturday’s By-Elections Across Six States
The Independent National Electoral Commission has cleared eight political parties and their candidates for Saturday’s by-elections, which will fill vacant federal and state legislative seats in six states. The polls will be held in four senatorial districts in Rivers, Enugu, Nasarawa, and Ondo states, one House of Representatives constituency in Kano State, and a State House of Assembly constituency in Kebbi State.
APC Faithful Set to Converge on Ado-Ekiti for Oyebanji Re-election Rally
Vice President Kashim Shettima, All Progressives Congress governors, party leaders, members of the National Assembly, ministers, and thousands of supporters are expected to converge on Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday for a grand finale mega rally in support of the re-election of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief Monisade Christianah Afuye.
Suspected Cultists Kill Three in Ikorodu, Six Arrested
A 22-year-old man, Abdulmalik Bakare, and two other persons have been reportedly killed by suspected cultists who invaded the Oreta community in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State. His father, Tunde Bakare, said in an interview on Sunday that the attack occurred on Wednesday, and confirmed that six suspects have since been arrested in connection with the killings.
Amotekun Arrests 97 Persons Over Criminal Activities in Ondo State
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun, has arrested no fewer than 97 persons in connection with various criminal activities across parts of the state. The suspects are allegedly linked to offences including kidnapping, burglary, robbery, and violations of the anti-open grazing law.
Oshiomhole Says Security Was Better Under His Watch Than Anambra Under Peter Obi
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has said that security in Edo State during his administration was better than what obtained in Anambra State under former governor Peter Obi. The APC chieftain also faulted opposition figures, including Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, for criticising President Bola Tinubu’s handling of insecurity without offering practical solutions.
Oshiomhole: Peter Obi Cannot Be Taken at His Word
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has said that Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi cannot be held to his own word, citing Obi’s decision to leave the All Progressives Grand Alliance despite pledging to remain with the party. Speaking on the Mic On Podcast on Sunday, Oshiomhole alleged that Obi lacks a credible record of managing and resolving party crises, and accused him of gravitating toward opportunities rather than building political structures from the ground up.
Iran Agrees US-Brokered Peace Deal, Pledges to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
Iran has agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the release of approximately $25 billion in frozen assets under a peace agreement reportedly brokered by US President Donald Trump. Details of the proposed deal were released by Tehran on Sunday, with Iranian officials expressing cautious optimism that an end to more than three months of conflict could be near, according to the New York Post. The war had severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that previously carried around 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply.
Oshiomhole Warns Akpabio: The 11th Senate Will Not Be the 10th Senate
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has warned Senate President Godswill Akpabio that many of his colleagues are dissatisfied with his leadership style, and that a significantly different Senate awaits after the 2027 elections. Speaking on the Mic On Podcast, Oshiomhole said Akpabio was paranoid and that the discontent extended well beyond himself to several other lawmakers who are equally disenchanted.
NAF Air Strikes Kill 27 Terrorists in Borno State
The air component of Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai has neutralised 27 terrorists in separate air interdiction missions in Borno State. According to an operational report from the Nigerian Air Force released on Sunday, the strikes targeted terrorist enclaves in the Southern and Northern Tumbus areas following Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance operations. Air assets comprising Dragon and ISR platforms conducted one of the missions at Dawoshe, a known terrorist stronghold in the Southern Tumbus area, around 12:40 a.m. on June 10, where terrorists’ vehicles were sighted during aerial surveillance and subsequently engaged.
Oshiomhole Blasts Atiku Over Proposed Condolence Visits, Questions Insecurity Strategy
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his proposed condolence visits to violence-hit states like Plateau and Benue, questioning whether such gestures were sufficient to address Nigeria’s deepening insecurity crisis. Speaking on the Mic On Podcast on Sunday, Oshiomhole also alleged that the security crisis ravaging the country predates President Tinubu’s administration, tracing its roots to the period when Atiku served as Vice President under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Nancy Isime Says She Has Her Own Mindset, Does Not Depend on Pastors for Direction
Nollywood actress and media personality Nancy Isime has described herself as not a typical Nigerian Christian, saying she relies on personal intuition rather than pastoral guidance to navigate her faith. Speaking in a recent interview with Jay On-Air, Isime said she does, however, draw inspiration from figures such as Apostle Joshua Selman.
Mofe Duncan Slams Daddy Freeze Over Remarks at Alex Ekubo’s Service of Songs
Nollywood actor Mofe Duncan has publicly rebuked media personality Daddy Freeze over comments he made criticising gospel singer Mercy Chinwo’s performance at the late Alex Ekubo’s service of songs. In a lengthy Instagram post, Duncan said the night was dedicated to honouring Ekubo and described Freeze’s remarks as a grave misstep. Duncan also clarified that the event was a service of songs and night of tributes — not a funeral — and noted that hymns, including an emotional rendition of “Blessed Assurance,” were central to the ceremony, reflecting Ekubo’s love of worship.
Curaçao Score Historic World Cup Goal But Fall 7-1 to Germany in Tournament Debut
Germany opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 7-1 victory over debutants Curaçao, but the Caribbean nation claimed a slice of history by scoring their first-ever goal at football’s biggest stage. Livano Comenencia found the net in the 21st minute for Curaçao — a nation of just 156,000 people and the smallest country ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup — briefly silencing Germany after an electric start. Felix Nmecha had put Germany ahead in the sixth minute, before Comenencia’s effort levelled things via a deflection off Manuel Neuer. Germany quickly restored control through Nico Schlotterbeck and a Kai Havertz penalty before half-time. Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown, Deniz Undav, and a second Havertz goal completed the rout in the second half.
Real Madrid Agree €60m Deal to Sign Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella
Real Madrid have reached an agreement to sign Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella for a fee of €60 million, comprising a fixed €55m with up to €5m in performance-related add-ons, bringing an end to the Spaniard’s four-year spell at Stamford Bridge. Cucurella, 27, is currently representing Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but all parties have agreed verbally on the transfer, which is expected to be formally concluded early next week. The defender joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion for £63m in 2022 and made 150 appearances for the club, helping them win the Conference League and Club World Cup in 2025.
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