Bandits Kill Seven In Katsina, Two Police Officers Die In Kaduna Rescue Operation
Seven people were killed on Thursday when bandits attacked Sayaya community in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. Two police officers also lost their lives during an operation to rescue kidnapped victims in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Eight Killed, 26 Rescued As Shopping Complex Collapses In Lagos
No fewer than eight people have died, while 26 others were rescued after a three-storey shopping complex collapsed in the Alakija area of Lagos State on Thursday. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, confirmed the casualty figures in a statement by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.
PRP Kicks Against State Police, Cites FG’s Lack Of Credibility
The Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, has opposed ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to establish state police. In a statement on Thursday, the party argued that the current administration lacks the credibility and public trust required to undertake such a significant reform.
CBN Directs Banks To Freeze Assets Of Terrorism Financing Suspects
The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, on Thursday directed banks, payment service banks and other financial institutions to identify and immediately freeze assets held by terrorism financing suspects. The banks are to act without prior notice, ensuring that all funds, assets and other economic resources belonging to, owned, held or controlled (directly or indirectly) by the suspects are frozen.
FG Signals Review Of N70,000 Minimum Wage, Says Benchmark Outdated
The Federal Government has signalled plans to review the national minimum wage, stating that the current N70,000 benchmark no longer reflects prevailing economic realities. Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed this on Thursday at the Good Governance Summit 2026 organised by Working People United in Abuja.
FG Repatriates 66 More Nigerians From South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks
The Federal Government has repatriated another 66 Nigerians from South Africa as part of ongoing efforts to assist citizens affected by recent xenophobic attacks in the country. The returnees, who formed the second batch of evacuees, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, about 8:50p.m., on Thursday.
Court Fixes July 2 For Mention Of Emeka Ike’s N10bn Suit Against Lere Olayinka
A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed July 2 for further mention of a N10 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit instituted by Nollywood actor and politician, Emeka Ike, against the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Lere Olayinka, over an alleged breach of personal data. Justice Salim Ibrahim adjourned the matter after counsel to the applicant, Mr Leonard Adeh, sought more time to enable the respondents to file their responses to the suit.
German Court Jails 12 Nigerians Over “Love Scams” And Money Laundering
A German court jailed 12 members of a Nigerian organised crime ring on Thursday for their part in so-called “love scams” and money laundering. The court in Munich said those convicted were aged between 34 and 55 and were sentenced to prison terms ranging from three years and four months to eight-and-a-half years.
Tinubu Assures Oyo Residents Abducted Schoolchildren, Teachers Will Be Rescued Unharmed
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday assured residents of Oyo State that the schoolchildren and teachers abducted during coordinated attacks on three primary schools in Oriire Local Government Area would be rescued unharmed. The President, who also urged South-West governors to preserve the developmental legacy of their founding fathers, said the Federal Government was deploying all available measures to tackle insecurity.
Fubara Orders Total Seal-Off Of Collapsed Building Site In Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has ordered a complete seal-off of the site of a five-storey building, which collapsed on Wednesday, killing one person and injuring several others along Odili Road in Port Harcourt. The governor, who visited the site of the disaster on Thursday afternoon to assess the situation, said the site will remain “completely sealed off” until the government gets to the “root cause” of the incident.
‘Pay Your Taxes So That Govt Can Do More For You’ – Tinubu Tells Nigerians
President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians and residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to pay their taxes so his administration can deliver more infrastructure projects.
Naija News reports that Tinubu spoke on Thursday during the commissioning of the interchange at Arterial Road N16 – Ring Road III Intersection linking Jahi District to Gwarimpa District in the FCT.
Tinubu, who was represented at the commissioning by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said infrastructure is the foundation of prosperity, which is the cardinal principle of his administration.
President Tinubu also assured Nigerians that the country is not beyond redemption.
CBN Orders Freezing Of Bank Accounts Of Terrorism Financing Suspects
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed all banks, payment service banks, and other financial institutions to immediately freeze the accounts, assets, and financial transactions of six individuals and four Bureau De Change (BDC) operators designated for alleged terrorism financing.
Naija News reports that the directive was contained in a circular dated June 24, 2026, with reference number CMD/FCS/PUB/CIR/002/011, issued to all regulated financial institutions across the country.
According to the apex bank, the action follows the latest update to the Nigeria Sanctions List, which took effect on June 18, 2026, and is binding on all financial institutions under its regulatory supervision.
In the circular, the CBN instructed banks and other financial institutions to identify and immediately freeze all accounts, funds, assets and economic resources belonging to the affected individuals and entities without prior notice.
Appeal Court Adjourns ADC, Accord Party Deregistration Suit Till July 7
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has adjourned the hearing of an appeal challenging the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party (A), and three other political parties until July 7.
Naija News reports that the appellate court shifted the matter from June 25 to enable parties in the suit to file and exchange their briefs of argument ahead of the substantive hearing.
At Thursday’s proceedings, counsel for the Accord Party, Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), informed the three-member panel led by Justice Abubakar Mohammed that the record of appeal and the judgment of the Federal High Court were only obtained on Monday and had since been transmitted to the appellate court.
Adetunbi subsequently sought a short adjournment to allow parties to file and exchange their processes. The application was not opposed by other parties.
Although the senior advocate requested three days to file the briefs, Justice Mohammed explained that some members of the panel would be away on official assignments next week, making July 7 the earliest available date for hearing.
The appeal arose from the judgment of Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Justice Lifu held that the parties failed to satisfy the constitutional requirements necessary to retain their registration and participate in future elections.
INEC Suspends Staff Linked To Emeka Ike’s Voter Data Leak
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended an electoral officer allegedly linked to the recent unauthorised disclosure of voter data.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, disclosed this on Thursday during a fireside chat organised by the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa in Abuja.
The controversy followed the circulation of voter registration details belonging to actor and politician, Emeka Ike, during a dispute arising from a political party primary election in the Federal Capital Territory.
The commission said preliminary findings showed that its ICT infrastructure was not hacked and that there was no wider compromise of the voter register.
According to INEC, the information was allegedly accessed through valid credentials assigned to personnel involved in the Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
Haruna said INEC took immediate action after becoming aware of the incident, adding that the officer had been removed from his position pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.
Haruna said INEC had completed its internal investigation and referred the matter to the relevant authorities.
State Assembly Speakers Back State Police Creation
Speakers of the 36 State Assemblies in Nigeria have thrown their weight behind ongoing efforts for the establishment of State Police in the country.
They described it as a major milestone towards strengthening federalism and curbing insecurity in the country.
Naija News reports that the Speakers, under the aegis of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday through the Chairman of the Conference and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor.
According to Guwor, the Speakers have always supported the establishment of state police, noting that community-based policing would improve security response and address local challenges more effectively.
According to him, the 36 state legislatures believe that policing structures rooted in local communities would enhance public safety and improve intelligence gathering.
“I Promise You That Your Salaries And Allowances Will Improve” – Tinubu Assures Nigerian Workers
President Bola Tinubu has given fresh assurances that the salaries and allowances of Nigerian workers will soon improve.
According to the President, Nigerians across board will benefit more and feel the impact as the reforms initiated by his administration yield tangible fruits.
Naija News reports that Tinubu made the declaration on Thursday at the commissioning of the rebuilt Premier Hotel, in Ibadan, Oyo State, where he was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.
The Nigerian leader, who praised the vision of the leaders of the old Western Region for investing in such a project, also praised contemporary leaders for preserving the heritage and remodelling it for economic renewal.
The President said the extensive modernisation of the historic hotel mirrored the ongoing restoration of national landmarks and demonstrated how legacy assets could be repositioned to meet contemporary demands while retaining their historical significance.
The President assured that as the reforms across various sectors continue to yield expected results, Nigerians would begin to experience significant improvements in wages and living standards in the coming months.
Mr Ibu’s Children Drop Out Of School, Family Seeks Help
The family of late Nollywood actor and comedian, John Ikechukwu Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has appealed for support over what it described as hardship since his death.
Naija News reports that the family spoke during a recent visit by content creator King Mitchy.
According to the family, Mr Ibu’s only daughter and two sons have dropped out of school due to unpaid fees.
The children’s mother also said they had been living without electricity and running water for weeks because they could not afford the bills.
Mr Ibu’s daughter appealed to Nigerians and her late father’s colleagues in the entertainment industry to assist the family.
‘I Can’t Build With A Man, They Are Ingrates’ – Kunle Afolayan’s Daughter, Eyiyemi
Nollywood actress, Eyiyemi Afolayan, has expressed reservations about building from scratch with any man, citing concerns that men often change once they achieve financial success.
Naija News reports that Eyiyemi, the daughter of ace filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, in an interview with BBC Yoruba, explained that wealth can make men disrespectful or unfaithful.
The fast-rising actress also said she was born into wealth and expects any of her intended suitors to be financially established.
The Anikulapo movie star also rejected the idea of polygamy, saying she would never agree to be a second or third wife.
2026 World Cup: Qatar’s Assim Madibo Handed Five-Match Ban
Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo has been suspended for five matches following the challenge that left Canada’s Ismael Kone with a broken leg during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee confirmed the punishment after reviewing the incident that occurred during Qatar’s heavy 6-0 defeat to Canada last Thursday. Madibo, 29, was shown a straight red card for the tackle, which resulted in serious injury to Kone.
The governing body ruled that the challenge amounted to serious foul play and imposed a five-match ban, although the decision remains subject to appeal.
Kone suffered fractures to both the tibia and fibula in his lower left leg and has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament.
The 24-year-old midfielder, who plays for Italian club Sassuolo, underwent surgery shortly after the match in Vancouver.
The injury dealt a major blow to Canada as the former Watford player had been a key figure in the team’s World Cup campaign.
In a gesture that has drawn attention since the incident, Madibo visited Kone in the hospital following the operation.
Arsenal Complete Permanent Signing Of Piero Hincapie From Bayer Leverkusen
Arsenal have completed the permanent signing of Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen after triggering the purchase option included in his loan agreement.
The Premier League champions confirmed the deal on Thursday, bringing an end to months of speculation over the future of the 24-year-old centre-back.
The Gunners agreed a £45 million fee for Hincapie when he arrived on loan from the Bundesliga club last summer, and the conditions required to activate the clause have now been met.
Hincapie played a major role in Arsenal’s title-winning campaign, making 39 appearances across all competitions for Mikel Arteta’s side. His performances helped strengthen a defence that has conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League over the past three seasons.
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