Zamfara Banditry Lord Seizes 50 Community Leaders On Peace Mission

By

-

June 8, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

No fewer than 50 religious and community leaders from Magamin Diddi Village in Maradun Local Council of Zamfara state have, reportedly, been seized by suspected terrorist elements.

The elders who were said to be on a trouble-shooting mission to the operational camp of one the state’s bandit kingpins, Jammo, were however, kidnapped by their supposed host.

Apparently frustrated by incessant raids, imposition of financial burden, pillaging, killings and general destruction of their community by bandits, the elders decided to honour a peace meeting with the terrorists at their camp.

However, they were seized. Only about eleven of them were said to be out of the banditry lord’s den, as at the time of reporting.

Both the Zamfara State Government ,and Maradun Local Council authorities are not happy with the community elders for embarking on such a dangerous and unapproved expedition without clearance from relevant authorities.

Speaking on the unfortunate development ,the Maradun Council Chairman ,Bello Dosara, lamented that the elders decided to hold peace talks with the bandit leaders without securing Government’s approval.

He expressed Government’s total rejection of any form of negotiations and reconciliatory moves with banditry elements in the State.

“We are against reconciliation with bandits, and Governor Dauda Lawal never supported that l. But unknown to us, the people decided to meet the bandit leaders.

“I wonder why, how they decided to go and meet their enemy”, Dosara lamented.

According to the Local Government Chairman, the community and banditry elements have been having a running battle for sometime with the terrorists regularly blocking the road to the market.

He informed that the Council has been assisting the community with security, both for the purposes of opening up the road to the market and general protection.

Dosara stated that the banditry kingpin only released about 11 of the hostages so that they could inform the community about the fate of remaining 39 victims.

Giving an insight into what might have led to the peace meeting, a serving Councilor at the Maradun Local Government Bello Hussaini, said that it has been long Jammo, the bandit leader has been terrorizing the community, leading to persistent face off and confrontations.

He noted that during one of the recent battles with operatives of the Zamfara state Security outfit– Askarawa, the bandits lost two members and their weapons.

The bandits however, launched a reprisal attack during the last Ramadan fasting period, killing two Askarawa operatives, and carted away their rifles in the process.

Hussaini, who explained that the reconciliation mission of the elders was at the instance of the bandits lord, accused him of betraying his guests.

He emphasized that Jammo had extended the olive branch to the community, signifying his intention to reconcile shortly after one of his fighters was killed of recent.

According to the Councilor, after betraying the elders, the banditry kingpin is now demanding the sum of N24 million for their release.

He, therefore, appealed to all relevant authorities to come to the rescue of the people, insisting that a coordinated attack on the bandits enclave will secure peace for the community.

Fed Govt Approves Fresh Payment To 1,240 Contractors

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

June 8, 2026

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

After protracted agitations and protestations respite has finally come the way of financially distraught contractors. The Federal Government has approved the settlement of financial obligations to 1,240 of them.

The Source reports that some protesting contractors had, in January, 2026, barricaded the entrance to the Finance Ministry Headquarters in Abuja preventing workers, including then Minister of State Finance, Dr, Doris Uzoka-Anite from accessing their offices in protest against alleged backlog of unpaid contract sums.

A statement on Monday June 8, 2026 from Mary-Ann Duke, the spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Finance, informed that the approval was sequel to a verification exercise to authenticate and validate outstanding obligations and claims.

According to the statement, the Ministry in the latest payment schedule paid attention to contractual obligations ranging from N100 million to less.

The Ministry noted that over N700 billion has so far been verified as contractual obligations to local contractors in the last couple of months.

“The Federal Ministry of Finance has approved payments to more than 1,240 contractors, providing immediate liquidity support to businesses across the country and reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to meeting its financial obligations.

“Contractors prioritised for payment in the most recent batch are those with verified.claims in the region of N100 million or less”,the Ministry stated.

It emphasized that over N436.6 billion of the financial obligations was processed in May alone thus underscoring the Federal Government’s unflinching commitment towards unlocking liquidity and supporting economic growth.

The Ministry explained that its emphasis on small and medium scale contractors was intentional and geared towards widening the expected impacts of the funds disbursement across multiple sectors and regions.

It also expressed the hope that the policy will assist significantly in boosting business operations, preserve jobs, and complete ongoing projects.

Oyo Demolishes Building Identified As Hideout For Kidnapping Syndicate

By

Ayodele Oni

-

June 8, 2026

0

By Ayodele Oni

The Oyo State Government has stepped up its campaign against kidnapping and other violent crimes with the demolition of a building allegedly linked to a notorious kidnapping syndicate in Ibadan.

The three-bedroom bungalow, situated in the Lako Community along the Aiyegun-Anaye Road axis of the state capital, was pulled down on Monday during a joint operation involving officials of the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation and operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.

Authorities said the property was identified as a hideout used by suspects connected to the abduction of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, and her twin sons.

Mrs. John-Paul and her 12-year-old sons, Peter and Paul, were reportedly kidnapped at the Elewura area of Challenge, Ibadan, on June 3, 2026, triggering security operations that led investigators to the demolished structure.

According to the state government, the demolition sends a strong message to criminal elements and reflects its determination to dismantle facilities used for illegal activities while strengthening security across Oyo State.

Earlier, the state commissioner of police, Abimbola Olugbenga, led a team of police officers and journalists to the kidnappers’ hideout located at Araromi Quarters, Ayegun North, in Oluyole Local Government Area of the state.

The visit followed a successful intelligence-led rescue operation that secured the release of Mrs. Adelabu-John Paul and her twin sons, who were abducted in the early hours of June 3, 2026, in Ibadan.

Aside two suspects arrested by the police, identified as Semiu Ishola, 39, and Adeyemi Ayobami, 35, that allegedly facilitated the use of the hideout and supported the activities of the gang, nobody has come out to claim ownership of the building.

Crisis Hits NDC In Kano Over Sharing Of Positions

By

Ayodele Oni

-

June 8, 2026

0

By Ayodele Oni

Crisis has hit the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano state over sharing of positions with Kwankwasiyya group threatening to quit the party.

This followed replacement of several candidates earlier submitted by the Kwankwasiyya faction in Kano State which were substituted by other candidates.

The group claimed that the action followed an alleged breach of a power-sharing agreement.

According to a document signed by Kano State NDC Chairman, Hon. Hussaini Isah Mairiga, the changes were made to reflect the earlier agreement on the distribution of party positions and elective tickets between the existing NDC structure and the Kwankwasiyya bloc.

The document was copied to National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson, Kwankwasiyya leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the NDC North-West Zonal Chairman.

Under the revised list, the party approved the following for Federal Constituencies:

• Barrister Isma’il Idris Sani – Kumbotso

• Nasiru Ali Ahmed – Nassarawa

• Kabiru Ishaq Sa’id – Kano Municipal

• Barrister Dayyabu Jamilu Ibrahim – Doguwa/Tudun Wada

• Muhammad Hamisu Abubakar – Dawakin Tofa/Rimin Gado/Tofa

• Ibrahim Bashir Bango – Sumaila/Takai

• Abdulmajid Isa Umar Mairigar Fata – Gwale.

Adjustments were also made to State House of Assembly tickets in Dala, Tarauni, Kumbotso, Ungogo, and Dawakin Kudu constituencies.

The NDC explained that there was a standing agreement for elective positions and party offices to be shared on a 60-40 basis, with the Kwankwasiyya bloc receiving 60 percent and the original party structure retaining 40 percent.

Former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso had led members of the group, which he formed to decamp to the NDC from African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Adelabu’s Sister: Police Reveals Attempt By Abductors To Recruit Close Relation Of Victims

By

Ayodele Oni

-

June 8, 2026

0

By Ayodele Oni

Suspects arrested in connection with the abduction of Mrs. Adelabu-John Paul, younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons, attempted to recruit an insider close to the household to join the gang, according to Oyo State Police Command.

Police investigations also revealed that the kidnappers had monitored the family’s activities for weeks before the abduction.

The gang allegedly conducted surveillance on the family’s daily movements, vehicles, lifestyle, and the schools attended by the children.

These were revealed as the Police Command paraded four suspects arrested in connection with the abduction of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, family members.

The command urged residents to remain vigilant and report fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate.

Earlier, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abimbola Olugbenga, led a team of police officers and journalists to the kidnappers’ hideout located at Araromi Quarters, Ayegun North, in Oluyole Local Government Area of the state.

The visit followed a successful intelligence-led rescue operation that secured the release of Mrs. Adelabu-John Paul and her twin sons, who were abducted in the early hours of June 3, 2026, in Ibadan.

During the inspection of the hideout and subsequent press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Eleyele, the Commissioner of Police disclosed that investigations and security operations linked to the incident were still ongoing, assuring residents that every member of the criminal syndicate would be tracked down and brought to justice.

Olugbenga said the operation was carried out through a coordinated effort involving operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), the Oyo State Police Command, and other tactical units of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to him, the victims were abducted at about 7:30 a.m. on June 3 while the mother was taking her children to school along Elewura Street, off Ring Road, Ibadan.

Following the report of the incident, the police commissioner said the Command immediately launched an intelligence-driven manhunt on the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, leading to the deployment of specialised tactical and intelligence teams.

The operation led to the arrest of Wale Abolalewa, popularly known as “Oloro,” who was already on the Command’s watchlist.

His arrest, according to the police, provided a major breakthrough that exposed the wider kidnapping network.

Further investigations resulted in the arrest of Dare Oyedele, alias “Solution,” identified as another key member of the gang.

The commissioner disclosed that intelligence gathered from the suspects and digital evidence eventually led operatives to the gang’s hideout at Araromi Quarters, Ayegun North.

The police boss stated that following the operation, the victims were rescued unhurt and safely reunited with their family.

He further announced the arrest of two additional suspects identified as Semiu Ishola, 39, and Adeyemi Ayobami, 35, who allegedly facilitated the use of the hideout and supported the activities of the gang.

Items recovered from the suspects included three pump-action rifles, 14 live cartridges, an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla allegedly used during the abduction, criminal charms, a battle axe, a hammer, substances suspected to be hard drugs, and two face masks.

Iyabo Obasanjo Dumps APC Alleging ‘Disrespect’

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

June 8, 2026

0

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s daughter Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress, APC, saying she has been disrespected alongside his supporters.

In a letter made available to journalists on Monday , the former Commissioner For Health in Ogun state.

Her resignation comes two months after the party picked senator Olamilekan Aseola Solomon as its governorship candidate for the state.

Obasanjo was among the aspirants who contested for the party’s ticket for next year’s election but lost to Senator Adeola, the Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriation, after the APC adopted the consensus arraignment for its primary.

The daughter of Nigeria’s former leader had, following the emergence of Senator Adeola congratulated him, saying she did so in the larger interest of the party.

She has now made a u-turn after alleging that the party and its governorship candidate disrespected and “rejected” her and her supporters.

According to her, Senator Adeola had reached some agreement with her after his emergence but has refused to fulfil them two months after such agreements were reached, alleging that her supporters have also been harassed in the party.

Obasanjo: “When I started the journey to get the party’s nomination for Governor, I came to see you and I said to you and everyone both privately and publicly that I will honor the party’s consensus decision once it has been made.

“When that day came, even as violence was perpetrated against my supporters to stop them from entering the venue, I maintained my

calmness.

“At the venue, with no prior meeting with me as a candidate, given what the national party says in its guidelines on what consensus should be, i.e., having meetings where all candidates agree to the candidate that will be announced, a candidate was announced.

“No one acknowledged my presence at the meeting, given that I was the most prominent opposition to the candidate chosen, and I had traversed the state mobilizing and encouraging grassroots APC support.

“Based on my conviction that party unity is important, I wrote my letter accepting the party’s consensus candidate that night, even with the flawed process. The consensus candidate called me the next morning and asked for a meeting with my followers and me, which we had about 2 weeks later.

“At that meeting, my people made 3 requests, which I said were not compulsory, but he should let me know so I would let my people

know his responses, and he said I should give him a week.

“Unless he gets back to me after I send this letter, he has not reached out to me after 2 months. This is just part of the general treatment I have received from APC of disrespect and rejection, as if I were not there, making contributions that increased support for the party in

Ogun Central and across the state.

“A famous person once said that when disrespect is the

only dish served, then one should leave the table. I am therefore leaving the APC table where I am not welcome. This is my resignation from the party.

Despite her grievances, Obasanjo expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Ogun APC Chairman Chief Yemi Sanusi, and the Ogun Central Senatorial Chairman, Chief Soremi, for what she described as their warm disposition towards her during her brief stay in the party.

“Through you, I want to thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for receiving me warmly as usual, and I thank you and our Ogun Central Senatorial Chairman, Chief Soremi, as both of you treated me well, and I will always remember that. Best Regards.”

Forex Racket: Banks To Pay CBN N100m Fine

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

June 8, 2026

0

Forex in Nigeria - Dollar and Naira Price CBD

The Yemi Cardoso-led Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has decided to fine commercial banks and Other Financial Institutions, OFIs, and other unathorised forex dealers N100 million who fail to provide adequate supporting documentations for their foreign exchange transactions.
According to Cardoso, the reforms underscore the bank’s commitment to strengthening macroeconomic stability and modernising foreign exchange administration.

The apex bank governor said the review was necessitated by changes in global economic conditions, domestic structural adjustments and ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market.

Meanwhile, sources in the nation’s apex bank informed that the action was taken to curtail forex rackets among some commercial banks, which normally fail to document forex transactions, as a way of evading accountability by regulatory authorities.

The new CBN policy is contained in the fourth edition of the Foreign Exchange Manual released by the apex bank’s Trade and Exchange Department in May 2026.
The bank said authorised dealers found guilty of completing foreign exchange transactions with insufficient documentation will be liable to a N100 million fine in addition to N10 million for each affected transaction where rules have been violated.

The CBN said the revised manual was designed to strengthen compliance, improve transparency in foreign exchange transactions, enhance market integrity and align Nigeria’s forex administration with evolving economic realities and international best practices.

The updated framework represents the first major review of the manual since 2017.

Under the revised rules, banks that exceed approved Net Open Position (NOP) limits will face graduated sanctions.

A first violation will attract a written warning, while a second and third offences will result in suspension from the foreign exchange market for 10 working days and 90 days respectively.
The apex bank also tightened reporting obligations for authorised dealers.

Banks are now required to submit daily foreign exchange transaction returns by 10 a.m. on the following day and monthly returns within five working days after the end of each month.

Late submission will attract a penalty of N500,000, while failure to submit returns will result in a minimum fine of N5 million and an additional N500,000 for each day the violation continues.

The CBN warned against the diversion of foreign exchange allocations from approved purposes without prior regulatory approval.

It stated that offenders could face financial sanctions, suspension of authorised dealer licences for a minimum of six months, or outright revocation depending on the severity of the infraction.

The revised framework also introduces stricter compliance requirements for importers and exporters.

Importers are required to submit Exchange Control Documents within 90 days of negotiating shipping documents with overseas correspondent banks.

Failure to comply will attract sanctions ranging from a 90-day restriction on access to foreign exchange transactions for first-time offenders to a permanent ban from the market after repeated violations.

Banks that fail to report importer defaults will face penalties beginning with a warning and escalating to N10 million per transaction.

For exporters, proceeds from non-oil exports must be repatriated and credited to domiciliary accounts within 180 days of shipment, while oil and gas export proceeds must be repatriated within 90 days.

The manual stipulates a penalty equivalent to one per cent of the naira value of outstanding export proceeds for exporters who fail to comply.

Banks that fail to ensure compliance by their customers will be liable to a fine of 0.5 per cent of the outstanding amount.

In addition to the sanctions regime, the revised manual introduces measures aimed at improving efficiency in the foreign exchange market.

The allowable advance payment for imports has been increased from 15 per cent to 30 per cent, while import shortfalls or excesses of up to plus or minus 10 per cent of the Cost and Freight value on Form M are now permitted.

The apex bank also removed processing fees for Form NXP used for export declarations and eliminated the mandatory requirement for Form A in remittances funded through personal domiciliary accounts, subject to verification by banks.

Other provisions cover service exports, technology-related remittances, transactions under the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), non-resident investment accounts and tuition payments of up to 25,000 dollars per semester for students studying abroad.

Banditry: ‘Let’s Stop Stereotyping Fulani’, Obi Pleads

By

The Source

-

June 8, 2026

0

The 2027 Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has risen against what he calls “Media Framing of Crime Along Ethnic Lines”, describing it as divisive and unfair to the tribes involved.

Writing on his X handle this Monday morning, the former Anambra State Governor said, “As an Igbo man, I have endured stereotypes, judgment, and labelling solely based on my ethnic origins.

“This is not an isolated Igbo experience. Most Nigerians have, at some point, been reduced to their ethnicity rather than recognised for their true character. I understand the pain of the ordinary Fulani man today, often unfairly judged by the actions of criminals he does not support, has never met, and who are not representative of his people.

“Even in America, such unjust labelling fueled the civil rights movement and prompted Martin Luther King Jr. to declare that people should be judged by the content of their character, not the colour of their skin.

“Every Nigerian ethnic group is known for its unique traditions, occupations, skills, and strengths. Crime, however, has no ethnicity.

“A thief is a thief. A terrorist is a terrorist. A kidnapper is a kidnapper. They are bad actors, not representatives of any people. They must be identified, arrested, and punished according to the law. We must decisively abandon the dangerous practice of blaming entire ethnic groups for the actions of a few criminals.

” It is unjust, it breeds hatred, and it damages our national unity. Let us proudly celebrate our diverse cultures, talents, and contributions, rather than falling prey to stereotypes and prejudices that politicians and divisive interests exploit for their gain. A new Nigeria must emerge—one where no citizen is condemned because of tribe, religion, or birthplace.

“We can cherish our cultural roots while standing united by justice, mutual respect, and hope for a better future. We are capable of this. A new Nigeria is within our reach.

FG Placates ASUU With 5 Months Allowance

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

June 8, 2026

0

The Federal Government says it has released funds for the payment of five months’ accumulated Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, CATA, to eligible academic staff in Nigeria’s federal universities.

The announcement was made in a letter issued by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and addressed to the Vice Chancellors of federal universities in the country.

The action, the government said is in fulfillment of its obligations under the 2025 agreement reached with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.

The development comes few weeks after ASUU, the umbrella body of lecturers in Nigeria’s universities threatened to go on strike, after it accused the federal government of failing to fulfil its own part of the agreement reached with the University teachers on the issue.

According to Dr Alausa, in In a letter dated June 4, referenced FME/IS/UNI/C.98/Vol.2/14, the federal government stated that the payment was made in line with the provisions of the FGN-ASUU 2025 Agreement, adding that the government is committed to the welfare of university academic staff, and will ensure the goodwill with them.

The minster, therefore ,directed vice-chancellors to ensure the immediate payment of all outstanding CATA arrears to lecturers and other eligible academic staff in their institutions.

Alausa also directed university management to submit documents for immediate refund if they had already paid such allowances form their Internally Generated Revenue and other revenue sources.

ASUU had last month warned that Nigerian universities may witness another round of strike action over after alleging that the federal government was distorting implementation of the December 2025 agreement signed with the lecturers.

The warning was contained in a statement issued by Professor Christopher Piwuna after the union’s National Executive Council, NEC, meeting held at the Modibbo Adama University between 9 and 10 May.

Piwuna, had accused the government of failing to inaugurate the Implementation Monitoring Committee, IMC, which it said was designed to ensure the smooth execution of the agreement and prevent bureaucratic bottlenecks.

He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the matter to prevent the universities from being shut down.

Court Knocks NASS Over N110bn Vehicle Purchase, Says It’s Illegal

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

June 8, 2026

0

The Federal High Court in Lagos has declared unlawful the decision by the National Assembly to allocate to themselves N110 billion for the purchase of vehicles and other allowances.

In the judgment delivered on May 6, 2026 by Justice Yellim Bogoro, in the suit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project SERAP, the court ruled that the lawmakers abused the procurement law by approving the humongous amount for themselves, adding that their action also constitutes abuse of public trust and the principle of separation of powers.

The judgment came as the court rejected the objections by NASS that SERAP has no locus standi to file the suit on the matter, saying the law gives non-governmental organisations asuch as SERAP to approach the court on matter concerning public interest.

“From the facts deposed and given the nature of the suit, SERAP being a public interest organization committed to transparency and accountability has demonstrated sufficient interest. I therefore hold that SERAP has locus standi to sue, as the matters are of undeniable public concern,” the judge ruled.

Recall that SERAP, had in 2023 dragged the NASS to the court over the issue, praying for a court pronouncement on whether the decision by the lawmakers to allocate N40 billion for the purchase of 465 vehicles for themselves and N70 billion as support allowance, was in tandem with the law.

In the suit marked FHC/L/CS/1606/2023, filed against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass the right body had described the action as arbitrary and abuse of the nation’s procurement law.

According to a statement shared with journalists t the weekend, SERAP said the court, declared in its ruling that the NASS must comply with the procurement process in their future transactions as regard public funds. The court also ruled that the fact that the lawmakers are the beneficiaries of the N110 billion expenditure has created a conflict of interest on the issue.

Justice Bogoro stated in the judgment that the fact that the NASS chose to approved the huge funds to themselves at a time when there is a serious hardship in the country, saying their action is not in public interest and not in tune with the current realities in the country, adding that public office should not be used for personal enrichment.

Justice Bogoro ruled: “The beneficiaries of the expenditure are the very officials approving it, and the expenditure confers direct pecuniary and material benefits. This to my mind constitutes a case of self-dealing and conflict of interest,

“I have taken judicial notice of the economic realities in Nigeria and the widespread financial hardship affecting Nigerian citizens. In this context, the allocation of N110 Billion for the benefit of lawmakers demonstrates a failure to prioritize national interest.

“Public office must not be used for personal enrichment. Public Officers must act within constitutional boundaries and in good faith. I hold that the conduct complained of is inconsistent with the oath of office.

“From the facts deposed and given the nature of the suit, SERAP being a public interest organization committed to transparency and accountability has demonstrated sufficient interest. I therefore hold that SERAP has locus standi to sue, as the matters are of undeniable public concern.”