Rivers Building Collapse: Federal Housing Authority Approved Structure – State Government

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June 25, 2026

Five Storey Building Collapses In Port Harcourt

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The River State Government has said that the collapsed five-storey building under construction along Odili Road in Port Harcourt, exceeded its approved plan.

This was as it informed that the building plan was approved by the Federal Government through the Federal Housing Authority, FHA.

The Source reports that many workers were feared trapped on Wednesday, when the building said to be either a proposed hotel, or a shopping mall collapsed, causing significant panic among residents.

Eyewitness accounts also informed that the building collapsed almost at the point of completion.

Reacting to the unfortunate incident on Thursday, the Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Edward Hart, disclosed that the building was originally approved as a three-story structure, but was later upscaled to five.

While decrying the incessant cases of building collapse of recent, Hart emphasized the importance of developers adhering strictly to officially approved building plans.

According to him, the collapsed structure was initially designated as a three-storey Hotel complex, but later extended to five floors.

The Commissioner expressed serious concern that the State has recorded two massive building collapse within just one week.

Before the Wednesday incident on Odili Road within the Port Harcourt metropolis, Hart revealed that a three-storey building had earlier in the week collapsed in the Rumuelumeni area of the State Capital.

He, however, vowed that Government will intensify its monitoring role as well as clampdown on illegal structures across the state.

He also called for close supervision on the part of developers with a view to ensuring that substandard materials are not used in construction activities.

According to him, findings have indicated that some building collapse are as a result of the use of substandard materials.

“The building that collapsed on Odili Road did not receive approval from the Rivers State Government.

“It was approved by the Federal Housing Authority. They were the ones that approved it.

“They ( officials of the FHA) were even at the site. I will go further to state that the recent collapse of buildings calls for urgent review of civil construction activities.

“When a building plan is approved, always ensure that you keep to the approved plan. Don’t go outside the plan.

“In addition to keeping to the approved plan, use quality materials, and qualified personnel at your construction site. The building will always meet the integrity test” Hart emphasized.

ICPC Arraingns El Rufai, Six Others Over N8.68 Billion CCTV Surveillance Contract

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Ayodele Oni

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June 25, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Again, former Governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai was in court on Thursday following his arraignment by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC).

He was arraigned along with his former Senior Special Adviser and Counsel, Jimi Lawal, and five others over an alleged N8.68 billion CCTV surveillance contract awarded during his administration.

The Commission also named Bashir El-Rufai, identified as an elder brother of the former governor and currently at large, in one of the counts.

The anti-graft agency disclosed this in a statement published on its website on Thursday, stating that the defendants were arraigned before Justice Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court, Kaduna, in Charge No. FHC/KD/93C/2026.

According to the commission, the amended 11-count charge borders on alleged corruption, money laundering and related offences.

The ICPC listed El-Rufai as the first defendant alongside Lawal, Singularity Network Security Limited, Solar Life Nigeria Limited, Knowledge Investment Nigeria Limited, Intercellular Nigeria Limited and Noble Coast Resources Limited.

According to the ICPC, El-Rufai, while serving as governor, approved the award of a contract for the procurement, survey planning, final design and installation of a Closed-Circuit Television surveillance system in Kaduna metropolis valued at N8.68 billion to Singularity Network Security Limited.

The agency alleged that the company lacked the requisite experience and qualifications required for the contract and that funds linked to the project were subsequently transferred through a network of companies and individuals.

The commission further alleged that the defendants received and possessed funds exceeding N2 billion between 2017 and 2022 through a series of transactions involving the companies named in the charge.

It said the funds were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and that the alleged offences contravene provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Both El-Rufai and Lawal pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read in court.

Justice Buhari subsequently adjourned the case until July 1, 2026, for ruling on the defendants’ bail applications.

The former governor is also facing a case instituted by the Department of State Services involving allegations of wiretapping of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu’s phone.

Houses Of Assembly Set To Receive Bill On State Police – Chairman Conference Of Speakers

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Ayodele Oni

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June 25, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

As Houses of Assembly await the bill on state police, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislature in Nigeria has welcomed the passage of the State Police Bill by the Senate, as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

It observed that the development marks a significant milestone in the national conversation on policing, security, and true federalism in Nigeria.

State houses of Assembly are expected to ratify the constitutional amendment, as

the bill alters the structure of the 1999 Constitution, it must be approved by at least two-thirds (24 out of the 36) of the state Houses of Assembly.

This step follows the bill’s passage by both chambers of the National Assembly.

Once the constitutional amendment is ratified, no state police can begin operations unless that state’s House of Assembly passes an enabling law establishing its own State Police Service.

This law must align with the national minimum standards set by the National Assembly.

In a statement, Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, who is also chairman conference of Speakers, disclosed that the 36 State Houses of Assembly, had earlier indicated their support for the proposed legislation, because they believed that community based policing, properly structured under law, would enhance safety and response time across our states.

The Chairman described Security as locally based, adding that the people deserved a policing architecture that understands their terrain and challenges.

He noted that with the Bill now proceeding to the next legislative stage, the State Assemblies would give it diligent consideration in line with Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution.

The Conference commended the Senate for the bold step and urged all stakeholders to sustain the conversation with facts, patriotism, and a shared commitment to a safer Nigeria.

The Chairman made it clear that the Conference of Speakers remains committed to working with the National Assembly, the Executive, and all arms of government to deliver a constitutional amendment that would strengthen democracy and governance at all levels.

Kebbi Seeks Support Over Emergence Of New Terrorist Group

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Ayodele Oni

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June 25, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Kebbi State Government has solicited assistance from security agents as it uncovered a new terrorist group identified as “Sai Malam” in the State.

The State Government’s Special Adviser on Security and Home Affairs, Col. Hassanv Riba (rtd), disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting with the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, in Birnin Kebbi.

Riba revealed that the group was first discovered in Zuru Emirate, where security agencies successfully dislodged its members, but added that the group had resurfaced in other parts of the State.

According to him, the sect was recently sighted in Argungu, raising concerns over its possible spread and activities across Kebbi.

“We have one burning issue now, which is the discovery of another terror group. They are called ‘Sai Malam.’ We dislodged them in Zuru when we discovered them. But I was in Argungu and I saw them again,” Riba said.

He alleged that members of the group engage in activities involving blood rituals among themselves, urging the police and other security agencies to take decisive action against the sect.

Riba also stressed the importance of traditional rulers and community leaders in maintaining peace and supporting security efforts through intelligence sharing.

The security adviser added that the state government was providing logistics support to security agencies, including the deployment of mobile police personnel to Danko-Wasagu to tackle the activities of bandits and other criminal groups.

Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, represented by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Sulaiman Abdul, said security agencies must profile the new group before it grows into a major threat.

The police leadership urged residents, traditional rulers and community leaders to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could help prevent insecurity in the State.

Aiyedatiwa Approves Salary Increment For Judicial Officers In Ondo

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Ayodele Oni

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June 25, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Coming 50 years after and in its continued efforts to enhance justice dispensation in the state, Ondo state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved 60 percent increment in salaries and allowances of judicial officers in the state.

The Head of Service, (HoS),Segun Odusanya, disclosed this at a meeting with a delegation of the Magistrate Association of Nigeria, MAN, Ondo State Chapter, in Akure.

Under the New increment, Magistrates, Presidents of Grade A Customary Courts and Legal Research Officers would benefit from the increment which he said it was long overdue.

While appreciating Governor Aiyedatiwa for the approval and his commitments to the welfare the judicial officers, as well as other workers in general, Odusanya said the approval came on the heels of government’s desire to ensure descent living and conducive working conditions for them.

The Head of Service, hinted at the meeting that the state government was making arrangements to provide more official vehicles for the officers to ease their mobility in the course of discharging their duties, describing a situation where magistrates board public vehicles as risky to justice dispensation and lives of the officers.

“This agitation has been on from successive administrations. We have been on it for some times. We thank Mr Governor for his gracious approval of the salary and allowances increase for the magistrates.

“It’s unheard of that Magistrates are riding on Okada. So, Mr Governor has just approved the review of their salaries and allowances which is the first after decades.

“Also Mr Governor is considering giving them official cars to ease the discharge of their duties.” he said further.

Reacting on the development, MAN Chairman in the state, Magistrate Funmi Edwin thanked Governor Aiyedatiwa for the approval, saying it was the first time after about 50 years.

She expressed hope that the development would further enhance their service delivery and boost the morale of the officers.

In her words, ” It has just been confirmed that the governor has signed the approval for the increment.

“This is a good one for us because it has never happened before. We appreciate Mr Governor because he has done what no other governor has done in Ondo State for like fifty years because the old allowance has been since ages.”

She expressed hope that all other yearnings of the body, including their officials cars would also receive deserved attention of the Governor.

Kebbi APC Suspends State Chairman, Others Over Alleged Anti-party Activities

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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June 25, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The ranks of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Kebbi State appear to be in a serious quandary, with the party’s leadership announcing the indefinite suspension of the state chairman Abubakar Muho Kana-Zuru.

A statement on Wednesday from the State Secretary, Sa’idu Muhammad Kimba, also announced the suspension of the party’s Chairman in Zuru Local Council of the State, Hon Aliyu Abubakar Abiola.

According to Kimba, the suspension order was sequel to a plethora of complaints received from party stakeholders and members within the Zuru Emirate Council , alleging negligence , lackadaisical attitude to issues bordering on the interests of the party ,and gross anti-party activities on the part of the concerned officials.

The statement further accused the suspended officials of inadequate engagement with critical party stakeholders, lack of mobilisation efforts, as well as non-compliance with extant party rules, regulations, principles and procedures.

Similarly, the party informed that the decision to axe the officials followed a painstaking internal considerations and review of all the allegations leveled against them.

Consequently, the statement disclosed that the Deputy State Chairman will assume duties as Acting Chairman pending further directives.

In another development, the Kebbi State authorities also announced the indefinite suspension from office of the Commissioner for Livestock Development and Fisheries, Kabir Usman Alaramma-Zuru.

A statement from the Secretary to the State Government SSG , Yakubu Bala-Tafida, on Wednesday, said the suspension of the Commissioner is with immediate effect.

Although reasons for the suspension of the Commissioner were not stated, there are strong indications that he, just like those of the party officials is suspected of being fiercely loyal , and sympathetic to the political ambition of former Attorney-General of the Federation AGF , and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami.

Malami who is the Kebbi State Governorship candidate of the opposition Coalition platform , the African Democratic Congress, is from the same Zuru Emirate axis of the state as all the affected individuals.

EFCC Files $2.5 Million Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing Charges Against Miyetti Allah Leader Bodejo

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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June 25, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is to arraign the National President of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association MACBAN, Bello Abdullahi Bodejo over charges bordering on alleged money laundering and terrorism financing.

Bodejo, who is already facing prosecution alongside the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance Adamu over alleged $9.7 million terrorism financing, will be docked on a separate 12-count charge before an Abuja Federal High Court by the anti-graft Commission.

In the originating summons filed at the Court on June 22, 2026, the MACBAN national president is being accused by the EFCC’ of alleged illegal possession of large sums of foreign currency ,and terrorism financing to the tune of about $2. 5 million ,in clear violation of the provisions of Money Laundering ( Prohibition) Act, 2011, and the Money Laundering ( Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

Among other charges ,the Miyetti Allah leader is alleged to have received about $100,000 in cash from the embattled former Accountant -General of Bauchi State Sa’idu Abubakar , without following the officially approved channels in accordance with extant laws.

According to the EFCC , Bodejo collected another $200,,000 from the same source on January 21,2022 ,in a transaction that also clearly exceeded the threshold prescribed by the country’s anti-money laundering laws.

Similarly, in one of the charges, the anti-corruption commission alleged that the MACBAN president on March 20,2024 received another $500,000 from the former Bauchi State Accountant -General ,in a transaction that equally offended the provisions of the anti-money laundering laws.

In Count four, Bodejo was alleged to receive the sum of $980,000 in cash from the same Abubakar on February 7,2024 , without processing the funds through a financial institution as expressly demanded by the law.

According to the EFCC, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association national president received and took possession of the various large sums of foreign currency in Abuja ,under circumstances in which ,he knew, or reasonably ought to have known that the money represented proceeds of unlawful activities.

An official statement from the EFCC informed that Bodejo is expected to be formally arraigned before a Federal High Court Abuja .

Zenith Bank Deepens Financial Inclusion, Opens Osubi Branch

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James Orji

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June 25, 2026

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Zenith Bank Plc has expanded its presence in Delta State with the official opening of a new branch in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area, of Delta state becoming the first commercial bank to establish a presence in the community. The move reaffirms the Bank’s commitment to financial inclusion by bringing world-class financial services closer to communities and businesses.

The commissioning ceremony, held on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 in Osubi, was attended by the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside senior government officials, traditional rulers, members of the business community, customers, and other stakeholders.

In his remarks, Governor Oborevwori described the new branch as “a clear vote of confidence in the economic potential of our state. It shows that the investments we have made in infrastructure, economic development, and ease of doing business are producing tangible results. When a leading financial institution such as Zenith Bank expands its presence in Delta State, it sends a powerful message that Delta State is open for business and ready for greater investment.”

The Governor also underscored the branch’s significance to the host community, noting that “this branch is the only bank in the whole of Okpe Local Government as it is today. The significance of this bank to our people cannot be overemphasised, because of the impact it will have on the economy of this local government.”

Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, commended the Governor for his support of private sector growth, noting that the establishment of the branch reflects the conducive environment for investment and economic development being fostered in Delta State.

She said: “We are deeply grateful to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, for his unwavering support and partnership, and for finding time to personally commission the branch today. His generous donation of the land on which this branch is built is a testament to his administration’s commitment to fostering private sector investment and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Since assuming office, the Governor has driven significant infrastructure and socio-economic development across the state, and Zenith Bank is proud to contribute to that progress through this new branch in Osubi.”

The GMD described the Osubi branch, the Bank’s 19th in Delta State, as a milestone in Zenith Bank’s enduring relationship with the State. She reiterated the Bank’s commitment to serving underserved communities and to empowering individuals, businesses, women entrepreneurs, and SMEs through innovative banking solutions, access to finance, and capacity-building initiatives.

She added that the new branch would serve as a catalyst for economic activity in Osubi and its surrounding communities, supporting the broader development of Delta State and Nigeria at large.

CSR: Access Bank To Build Classrooms In Northern Nigeria

By

James Orji

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June 25, 2026

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The Managing Director of Access Bank UK, Jamie Simmonds has disclosed that proceeds from this year’s Polo Day hosted by the commercial bank will be used for the construction of blocks of classrooms in schools in Northern Nigeria.

An annual event hosted by the financial services provider, this year’s event will be held in Windsor, the commercial bank said.

According to Simmonds, whatever is raised this year from the event will be used to provide classrooms for some undeserved communities in the northern part of the country, saying the initiative is aimed at addressing the shortage of learning facilities in the region, in other to encourage children of school age to have access to education like their counterparts in other parts of the country, adding that the initiative has made serious impact on many communities over the years,

“Every year, we bring together an extraordinary community of leaders from across the world. People come to strengthen relationships, explore new possibilities, and contribute to something that matters.

“What matters most is the chance to make a real, lasting difference in the lives of young Nigerians who simply need a place to learn,” he said.

Oba Of Benin, Ewuare, To Invoke Ancestral Spirit Against Banditry On July 2

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Ayodele Oni

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June 25, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Preparations are ongoing at the Palace of Benin Monarch in Edo state, ahead of the July 2 when native doctors are expected to converge for a decisive spiritual intervention against criminality in the state.

The revered Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has fixed July 2, 2026, for a traditional exercise to place curses on kidnappers, following rising insecurity and criminality.

The Monarch announced the date days after an emergency meeting at his palace in Benin City, with native doctors, traditional priests, priestesses, and youth representatives, where rising insecurity in the state was strongly condemned.

The meeting was part of growing concerns over the increasing cases of kidnapping, cult-related violence, armed robbery, and ritual killings across Edo State and neighbouring areas, which palace sources say prompted the traditional institution to take spiritual action to complement government efforts.

According to reports, Oba Ewuare II directed that traditionalists across Edo South would be fully involved in the exercise, which he described as a spiritual response to the worsening security situation in the region.

The planned ritual is expected to involve prayers, invocations, and traditional rites which will invoke ancestral forces to confront and deter perpetrators of violent crimes, as well as those allegedly aiding or shielding them.

Sources within the palace said the initiative is part of a long-standing role of the Benin traditional institution in addressing societal challenges, particularly issues affecting peace and security within the kingdom and Edo State at large.

Oba Ewuare II was quoted as saying that the exercise is rooted in the authority of the ancestors, stressing that traditional institutions must continue to complement the efforts of security agencies in tackling crime.

He noted that the worsening security situation requires a collective response, including both modern law enforcement strategies and traditional mechanisms of deterrence.

In recent years, insecurity in parts of Edo State has remained a major concern, with frequent reports of abductions along highways, attacks in rural communities, and rising criminal networks linked to kidnapping for ransom.

While security agencies continue efforts to curb the trend, the Oba’s decision to involve traditional spiritual practices highlights the growing reliance on cultural and ancestral institutions in complementing state security responses.

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