By Uzair Adam

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 150 suspected criminals during a coordinated operation targeting notorious criminal hideouts in the Igando-Idimu area of the state.

The raid, conducted in the early hours of Sunday under the Command’s ongoing Operation KO S’AYE, followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected hoodlums operating within the Area M axis.

Police spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said officers drawn from various formations stormed identified criminal hideouts at Boolar, Okofilling Bus Stop, Igando, and other black spots to dislodge criminal elements and improve public safety.

She said the operation led to the recovery of one double-barrel gun, two single-barrel guns, one locally fabricated double-barrel short gun, 100 unregistered motorcycles, 54 mobile phones, two military camouflage uniforms, six generators suspected to have been stolen, assorted charms, and substances believed to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs.

According to Adebisi, all 150 suspects are currently in police custody while investigations continue to determine their level of involvement in various criminal activities. She added that those found culpable would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, commended the operatives for their professionalism and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining Operation KO S’AYE to dismantle criminal networks and deny offenders safe haven across the state.

He also urged residents to continue supporting the police by providing timely and credible information to strengthen efforts aimed at combating crime and improving security in Lagos.

By Prince Daniel Aboki

Every Nigerian has the constitutional right to support any political party or candidate of their choice. That right is guaranteed by the Constitution and should always be respected.

However, an industry cannot thrive when, every election cycle, a few individuals position themselves as speaking on behalf of everyone, mobilising groups to endorse politicians and, in the process, reducing the industry’s engagement with government to the pursuit of personal benefits.

When this becomes the dominant culture, the industry risks not being taken seriously. Government and development partners are beginning to see the industry not as a strategic economic sector but as a collection of individuals seeking patronage every four years. More often than not, the distribution of cash gifts, vehicles, and other favours also creates avoidable divisions within the industry, as practitioners become aligned with competing political interests. Instead of fostering unity around the collective growth of Kannywood, election seasons too often leave the industry fragmented long after the campaigns have ended.

Politicians understand the influence that Kannywood celebrities command, particularly in Kano and across Northern Nigeria. They know these personalities can shape public opinion, mobilise supporters, and amplify campaign messages during elections. That influence is valuable, but it should be used as a bargaining tool to secure lasting benefits for the entire industry—not for personal aggrandisement. Our collective influence should translate into meaningful negotiations for better policies, sustainable funding, stronger institutions, improved infrastructure, and greater opportunities for everyone in Kannywood, rather than short-term personal gains for a few individuals.

Kannywood is far bigger than election campaigns. It is one of Northern Nigeria’s greatest cultural and economic assets. It has the capacity to create thousands of jobs, preserve and promote our culture, strengthen social values, attract tourism, earn foreign exchange, stimulate investment, and project Northern Nigeria to the world.

What makes this even more compelling is that Kannywood has already demonstrated its commercial strength. Some of its producers operate some of the biggest and most successful YouTube channels in Nigeria, attracting millions of views and building significant audiences worldwide. That success should not remain the achievement of a few individuals. It should be consolidated into an industry-wide strategy that creates opportunities for younger filmmakers, actors, writers, directors, editors, cinematographers, musicians, and other creative professionals.

This is the conversation we should be having with those in office and those seeking public office.

Rather than seeking cash gifts, vehicles, or personal favours, we should be demanding policies that strengthen the entire industry: film villages, production funds, affordable financing, stronger copyright protection, modern cinema infrastructure, professional training, international partnerships, tax incentives, and support for participation in global film markets and festivals. That is how enduring creative industries are built.

Over the years, Nollywood has increasingly engaged government and development partners on issues that strengthen the industry’s ecosystem. The conversation has largely centred on policy, investment, institutional support, skills development, financing, and international collaboration. Individual practitioners may support political candidates—as they are entitled to—but the industry’s long-term development has remained a central focus.

This does not mean Nollywood is a perfect congregation. There have also been individuals within Nollywood who have pursued personal interests above the collective interest of the industry. However, when the two industries are compared, Nollywood has, on balance, positioned itself more effectively as a strategic partner in industry development, policy engagement, and institutional growth. Kannywood can do the same.

We must stop approaching politicians with a cap in hand every election season. An industry with this much talent, influence, and economic potential should not present itself as a sector waiting for handouts. It should present itself as a partner in development—one capable of creating jobs, generating revenue, attracting investment, promoting tourism, preserving culture, and contributing meaningfully to the economy of Northern Nigeria.

Politicians will respect Kannywood when Kannywood first respects its own value. This is not a criticism of anyone’s constitutional right to participate in politics or support a candidate. Rather, it is a call for Kannywood to recognise its collective economic power and organise itself as an industry worthy of sustained investment, strategic partnerships, and long-term development.

The question should no longer be, “Who is giving us what?” The question should be, “What policies, investments, and partnerships will transform Kannywood into one of Africa’s most competitive creative industries?”

The future of Kannywood will not be determined by what a handful of individuals receive during an election season. It will be determined by what the entire industry builds together for generations to come.

The choice before us is simple: we can continue chasing political patronage every four years, or we can build an industry that creates wealth, creates jobs, attracts investment, shapes culture, and becomes impossible for governments and the rest of the world to ignore.

Prince Daniel is “A Concerned Citizen” and a filmmaker. He can be reached via blackvillemedia@gmail.com.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

What makes other countries continue to develop and achieve sustainable success is their ability to pursue collective and common goals across all socioeconomic sectors. When the people and their leaders share a clear national vision and work towards common objectives, the country naturally excels in development, whether in education, human capital, infrastructure, technology, innovation, or national pride.

Many countries are made up of people from different cultures, races, religions, and ethnic backgrounds. Yet, when it comes to national goals and objectives, they stand united as one nation, driven by a shared sense of purpose and commitment to progress. Their diversity becomes a source of strength rather than division because the national interest comes first.

One of Nigeria’s greatest challenges is the absence of strong national goals and objectives that are genuinely shared by all citizens. As a nation, we often struggle to build consensus around long-term priorities that transcend politics, ethnicity, religion, and regional interests.

Ironically, one of the few areas where Nigerians consistently demonstrate unity is sports, especially football. If Nigeria could cultivate the same level of collective commitment, patriotism, and shared purpose in education, human capital development, innovation, infrastructure, and economic growth as it does in football, the country would make remarkable progress and achieve far greater national development.

Another irony of Nigeria’s politics is that many leaders champion national unity while they occupy positions at the centre of government. They speak the language of inclusion, national cohesion, and collective progress because they represent the entire federation. However, the moment many of them leave office or slip out of public view, they often retreat into ethnic or regional politics, becoming champions of sectional interests rather than national ones. This inconsistency weakens nation-building, deepens divisions, and makes it difficult to sustain a truly national agenda.

Nigeria’s progress depends not only on good leadership but also on a shared national consciousness. The country needs leaders and followers who will remain committed to national unity and development regardless of whether they hold public office. Likewise, citizens must place the Nigerian project above ethnic, religious, and regional considerations. Only when our collective interest consistently outweighs our individual or sectional interests can Nigeria unlock its immense potential and achieve the level of sustainable development seen in many successful nations.

 Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff has criticised Peter Obi’s call for President Bola Tinubu to resign over Nigeria’s security challenges. He alleged that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate supports the Biafra cause and therefore lacks the moral standing to make such a demand.

Sheriff made the remarks on Monday during an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme. He reacted to Obi’s recent call on President Tinubu to resign or step aside over the country’s worsening insecurity.

The former governor alleged that Obi had never condemned the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) or its ideology. He argued that Obi’s position on the issue makes him “the most unqualified person” to call for the president’s resignation.

“This country, Nigeria, fought a civil war. Our leaders sacrificed their lives to fight that war to keep the country together, both leaders from the north and the south,” the former governor said.

“The cause of the war was Ojukwu’s demand to secede. Peter Obi, up to this moment, is pursuing the division of Nigeria.

“How? Because he believes in Biafra. He never condemned Biafra. He never condemned IPOB.

“Biafra is secession. Our leaders fought to keep the country together. He wants to divide Nigeria.”

When asked how a politician seeking Nigeria’s presidency could also seek to divide the country, Sheriff challenged Obi to publicly reject the allegation.

“He should deny it,” the former Borno governor said.

“He should come to this station and say he doesn’t believe in dividing the country.

“He should deny it. I am confronting him, telling him this is what he stands for.”

Sheriff maintained that anyone aspiring to lead Nigeria must be committed to preserving the country’s unity.

“People like Obasanjo, General Yakubu Gowon, T.Y. Danjuma, General Shua, and General Abacha all have bullet wounds on their bodies because they fought to keep Nigeria together,” he said.

“Anybody aspiring to lead Nigeria must be someone who stands for Nigeria, not for any section.”

Obi has repeatedly called on President Tinubu to resign in recent weeks. On June 22, the former Anambra State governor described the administration as a “monumental failure” and urged the president to leave office. He said his position was influenced by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s resignation speech, which addressed public dissatisfaction over economic conditions and unfulfilled campaign promises.

On Sunday, Obi renewed the demand after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reportedly stated that Nigeria failed to record some public spending in various budgets. He said the development raised fresh concerns about what he described as widespread corruption under the Tinubu administration.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has warned that rising religious intolerance, hate speech and fake news pose serious threats to Nigeria’s unity and peaceful coexistence.

The Sultan made the remarks on Monday in Abuja through the NSCIA Deputy Secretary-General, Salisu Shehu, after receiving Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations.

He said the meeting centred on strengthening cooperation between Muslim and Catholic leaders, promoting mutual understanding and using dialogue to address insecurity and other national challenges.

“The essence of the visit was to promote mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation across religious communities in advancing peace, peaceful coexistence and improved security, not only in Nigeria but globally,” he said.

The Sultan expressed concern that hate speech has continued to deepen divisions among religious groups. He said the trend has weakened trust and damaged relationships between faith communities. He also condemned the growing practice of insulting respected religious leaders, irrespective of their faith.

“Hate speech has been most injurious to peaceful coexistence in the country. It has created perceptual and relational crises among faith communities,” he said.

He also identified fake news as a major factor behind many of the country’s tensions and conflicts.

“Fake news is another evil that is being used in the country to precipitate a lot of troubles, and therefore this is something that we need to fight.”

According to the Sultan, discussions during the meeting also covered concerns about declining moral values and what he described as the growing rejection of religion among young Muslims and Christians.

He said both delegations agreed that continuous dialogue, mutual respect and stronger collaboration through interfaith platforms remain essential for preserving national unity and addressing divisive narratives.

Gallagher described the meeting as productive and expressed confidence that religious leaders could play an important role in promoting national cohesion.

“We had a very frank and illuminating conversation, and it was good to hear that many of our positions regarding the role of religious leaders, both on the Catholic side and the Muslim side, coincide,” he said.

“For me, this is a reason for optimism regarding the religious cohesion of the country and our shared commitment to working for the good of all Nigerians.”

Gallagher added that Muslim and Christian leaders have a shared responsibility to work together in advancing peace and promoting the welfare of all Nigerians.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The father of Adeyemi Adeniyi, the man who claims to be the director-general of the purported Presidential Fiscal and Infrastructure Projects Council (PFIPC), has been arrested by police officers in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, according to human rights lawyer Femi Falana.

Falana disclosed the development during a telephone interview with journalists on Monday. He alleged that security operatives raided the family residence and arrested Adeniyi’s father as well as a family friend who was visiting the home.

“Police have now stormed the house of the parents of Prince Adeyemi Adeniyi, Plot 3, Adeniyi Dynasty, behind Technical College, Road Safety Area, Ogbomoso,” Falana said.

“The father has been arrested. There is no legal basis for substituted arrests. The young man has promised to show up in court, so why arrest his father?”

Residents of the area also confirmed the incident. One resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the officers arrived in four vehicles before taking the elderly man away.

“They came with four vehicles, and they started harassing them and eventually took the father away,” the resident said.

“They didn’t allow the neighbours to intervene before they took him away. At the moment, there is a man in blue clothes patrolling the area.”

Another resident said the officers also arrested a visitor who was at the family home. The source added that Adeniyi’s mother was left traumatised after the operation.

“Baba was taken away with someone who came to visit them this morning. They left the mother, who is currently in shock, but we have moved her away,” the resident said.

The arrest comes amid the controversy surrounding the PFIPC, which the Presidency has described as a fictitious agency.

Adeyemi is currently facing charges of alleged forgery, impersonation and other related offences over his claimed appointment as director-general of the council. The matter is before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Falana has consistently maintained that the allegations against Adeyemi should be determined through the judicial process. He has also argued that only the courts have the constitutional authority to establish criminal liability.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has opened an investigation into 34 tertiary institutions over allegations that they failed to refund students whose tuition fees were paid twice under the Federal Government’s student loan programme.

The Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, disclosed this during an interview on Arise Television on Sunday. He said the agency had deployed a five-member investigative team, which includes officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and NELFUND’s internal auditors, to examine the complaints.

According to Sawyerr, the investigation followed numerous petitions from students who claimed they had not received refunds after duplicate tuition payments.

“As of right now, there are 34 institutions that we are looking at closely with respect to this issue,” Sawyerr said.

He explained that the problem arose because President Bola Tinubu directed that the student loan scheme should begin in the middle of an academic session instead of waiting for a new session. As a result, many students paid their tuition fees while waiting for their loan applications to be processed.

“What happened is that a lot of schools got double payment. Some from the students, some from us,” Sawyerr said.

“The refund process is entirely out of our hands. It is the recipient of the double payments that is obliged to make refunds to the students.”

Sawyerr noted that many students borrowed money to pay their school fees before registration deadlines. They expected to recover the money after NELFUND settled the same tuition charges. He said several institutions had returned the excess payments, but others had not.

“Some have been very good at this. Others haven’t been so good at it,” Sawyerr said.

“I reserve judgement on the intentionality around it because, for some of them, they just didn’t have the process to make refunds.”

He also revealed that NELFUND is considering a tokenised payment system that would allow students to authorise tuition payments directly to their institutions. He said the measure would help prevent duplicate payments.

“We chose in our setting up of this not to pay students directly for the loans because that would take us into an entirely new area,” he said.

“Paying the funds to the students, rather, quite significantly, could really lead to the temptation for them to divert and do other things.”

Despite the ongoing investigation, Sawyerr admitted that NELFUND does not have the legal authority to compel institutions to refund students or prosecute officials involved in any wrongdoing.

He added that many of the complaints had also been forwarded to anti-corruption agencies by the affected students.

“Students who are frustrated and unable to get their refunds write to us, but they also write to the EFCC, to the ICPC,” he said.

Sawyerr also raised concerns over increases in tuition fees after the launch of the student loan programme. He said NELFUND declined to pay institutions that raised their fees beyond what the agency considered acceptable.

“Some schools, because they get paid easily, started to put up their fees. We refused, point blank, to pay institutions who had hiked their fees beyond a certain level,” he said.

He said NELFUND would continue to investigate reports of irregularities as it strengthens the implementation of the student loan scheme.

“We tend to take the view that perhaps it’s not intentional,” he said.

“We institute many investigations, we generate many reports. Any small hint of anything going wrong, we set up a small committee to look at it because we’re trying to learn.”

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate major global technology companies and Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms over allegations of anti-competitive practices and the unauthorised use of content produced by Nigerian media organisations.

The directive followed a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), which comprises the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).

The directive was conveyed to the FCCPC through a letter signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

According to the government, the investigation will address concerns raised by the Nigerian media industry over the growing influence of digital platforms on the country’s news ecosystem and their impact on the sustainability of local media organisations.

The petition names major technology companies, including Meta, Alphabet, and X, alongside some Generative AI platforms operating in Nigeria.

The organisations are accused of engaging in practices that could undermine fair competition, weaken the commercial viability of Nigerian media outlets, and infringe on the rights of publishers and content creators.

Reacting to the directive, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, said the commission would carry out an independent, transparent and evidence-based investigation.

“We recognise the strategic importance of the media to Nigeria’s democracy and the equally significant role of technology in driving innovation and economic growth.

Our responsibility is to objectively determine the facts and ensure that competition within the digital ecosystem remains fair, transparent and consistent with Nigerian law,” Bello said.

He stressed that the investigation should not be interpreted as an indication that any organisation had already been found guilty of wrongdoing.

“This inquiry is not directed at any entity by presumption of wrongdoing. Rather, it is an opportunity to carefully examine the facts, hear from all affected parties, and determine whether any conduct has resulted in anti-competitive outcomes or unfair business practices.

Every party will be accorded a fair opportunity to present relevant information before any conclusions are reached,” he added.

The FCCPC said the investigation would determine whether the alleged conduct violates the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 or any other applicable law.

Among the issues to be examined are allegations of market dominance and anti-competitive behaviour, as well as the unauthorised extraction, scraping, ingestion or commercial use of copyrighted news articles, broadcast materials and other original journalistic content for the development and training of Generative AI models.

The commission will also examine claims that Nigerian media organisations have been denied fair commercial arrangements and adequate compensation for the use of their content by global technology companies.

The FCCPC recalled that it previously investigated Meta and secured a court judgment against the company in 2025 over violations of the FCCPA, including data privacy breaches, which resulted in a $220 million fine. The company has appealed the ruling.

The commission further referenced developments in South Africa, where, following an investigation by the South African Competition Commission, Google agreed to compensate South African news organisations with R688 million (about $40 million) annually for a period of three to five years.

By Abashi Rahab

I read the article titled “End ‘One-Way’ Driving on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway,” published on June 2, 2026, with mixed feelings. The article rightly draws attention to the growing menace of motorists driving against traffic on one of Nigeria’s busiest highways and to the tragic consequences that often follow. The reported death of a dispatch rider is a painful reminder of the dangers associated with this reckless and unlawful practice.

‎I fully agree that one-way driving poses a serious threat to public safety and should be condemned in the strongest terms. No destination is worth risking innocent lives, and all road users have a responsibility to obey traffic regulations designed to protect everyone.

‎However, while the article advocates stricter enforcement and tougher sanctions for offenders, the problem requires a broader and more sustainable response. The persistence of one-way driving despite existing laws suggests that punishment alone may not be enough to eliminate the practice.

‎One factor that deserves attention is the severe traffic congestion that frequently characterises the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Although traffic delays do not justify violating the law, they often contribute to the frustration that leads some motorists to make dangerous decisions. Addressing congestion through better road planning and traffic management should therefore form part of the solution.

‎There is also a need for improved road signage, clearer diversions, and better communication regarding alternative routes. Motorists are more likely to comply with traffic regulations when they are provided with safe and practical options.

‎Public awareness campaigns should equally be intensified. While most drivers know that one-way driving is an offence, many may not fully appreciate the devastating consequences it can have. Continuous sensitisation through traditional and digital media can help reinforce responsible driving habits and promote a culture of road safety.

‎Equally important is the consistent and impartial enforcement of traffic laws. Regulations must apply to all road users regardless of status or influence. When some individuals appear to evade sanctions, public confidence in the system is weakened and compliance declines.

‎Government agencies should also embrace modern traffic management technologies, including surveillance cameras, automated monitoring systems, and intelligent traffic control measures. These tools can improve enforcement, enhance traffic flow, and reduce opportunities for dangerous violations.

The article’s recommendation to install anti-one-way devices is commendable and warrants serious consideration. However, such measures should complement broader efforts to address the underlying causes of the problem rather than serve as a standalone solution.

‎Ultimately, ending one-way driving on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway requires a combination of effective law enforcement, public education, improved infrastructure, better traffic management, and collective responsibility. While offenders must be held accountable, lasting success will depend on giving equal attention to prevention.

‎The loss of even one life due to a preventable traffic violation is one too many. Government agencies, security personnel, transport unions, and motorists must therefore work together to ensure that the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway becomes safer for all who use it.

‎Abashi Rahab is a Strategic Communication student at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, and an intern at IMPR. He wrote via ‎abashirahab@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops have arrested a man suspected to have taken part in the recent attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The suspect, identified as Paul Kolsen, was arrested on Sunday at about 3:30 p.m. at Farm Centre. Security sources said he was “receiving treatment for a gunshot wound” believed to have been sustained during the attack on the institute on July 2.

According to security sources cited by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication that reports on the Lake Chad region, the arrest followed intelligence reports received by security operatives. The sources added that other suspects connected to the incident had earlier been arrested.

The July 2 incident marked another attack on the institution within a short period. During the assault, troops reportedly exchanged gunfire with suspected Berom militia members. One of the attackers was killed, while others escaped into nearby rocky areas.

Security personnel also recovered a service rifle with registration number “CO-3175” during the operation.

Authorities said the weapon had earlier been stolen from a soldier who lost his life during an attack on troops at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Vom, on April 11.

The discovery of the rifle has prompted investigators to examine possible connections between the attacks on NIPSS and previous assaults on security personnel along the Kuru-Vom corridor.

Kolsen is currently in military custody as investigations continue into his alleged role in the attack and the activities of other suspected members of the group behind the repeated assaults.

Security agencies said operations based on intelligence gathering are still ongoing in the area to arrest more suspects and dismantle the network believed to be responsible for the attacks.

NIPSS, regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading policy and leadership institutions, has suffered three separate attacks by gunmen between June 16 and July 2.

The attacks reportedly resulted in the deaths of about three security operatives and one suspected militia member.