National

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, over allegations of certificate forgery and submission of a false National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.

The arrest was executed on Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon the former minister’s arrival into the country. Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) assisted in apprehending Mr. Nnaji before handing him over to the anti-graft agency.

The ICPC had previously invited the former minister for questioning through a formal letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16, dated 15 May 2026. The invitation was delivered to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as through his email, but Mr. Nnaji failed to appear on the scheduled dates.

Following his refusal to honour the invitations, the Commission secured a bench warrant from the Federal High Court in Abuja (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026) on 11 June 2026, authorising his arrest.

The allegations against the former minister include:

1· Forgery of academic credentials, specifically a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

2· Submission of a false NYSC Discharge Certificate during his ministerial screening in 2023Mr.

Nnaji is currently in custody at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja as investigations continue.

The Commission has assured the public that the matter will be pursued diligently in accordance with the law.

By Anwar Usman

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said on Friday that Nigeria’s integrated identity management system led to the arrest of seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders returning from the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

‎The minister made this known at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly after President Bola Tinubu signed the National Identity Management Commission Act 2026 into law, as contained in a statement signed by the President’s aide, Bayo Onanuga.

According to him, the suspects were arrested last Thursday at the Katsina airport after returning from Saudi Arabia and were subsequently handed over to the Department of State Services.

He said the arrests were successful as a result of integrating the National Identity Management Commission database with the Nigeria Immigration Service database and connecting it to Interpol.

The statement in part reads, ”I know, sometime ago, the Senate President was alarmed by how some terrorists went on pilgrimage, wondering how they crossed our borders. We inherited a fractured system.

‎”But I’m happy to tell you that even last week, Thursday, seven of the known commanders of Boko Haram and ISWAP at the point of coming back from Mecca were arrested in Katsina at the airport and were handed over to the DSS.

‎”This is only possible because NIMC’s ID is already connected with the immigration database, and it’s already speaking to even the Interpol 24/7, and we have been able to automate this,” the minister said.

According to the minister, the newly signed NIMC Act would further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture by improving the harmonisation of identity databases and strengthening inter-agency collaboration.

‎He further revealed that the law will enhance the integrity of the National Identity Number system while boosting the country’s capacity to combat identity theft, terrorism, financial crimes and other security threats.

He said that before Tinubu’s government, identity management systems were fragmented, noting that services such as passport issuance and driver’s licence processing were disconnected from the national identity database.

President Tinubu signed the NIMC Act 2026 on Friday. In attendance were the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and other senior government officials.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Federal Government has renamed the PTDF College of Petroleum and Energy Studies in Kaduna in honour of the late Nigerian statesman, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.

According to a statement issued by the management of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), the institution will now be known as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology. The renaming follows a presidential directive by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

PTDF said the decision recognises Yar’Adua’s contributions to national unity and Nigeria’s democratic development. The fund assured stakeholders that all academic programmes, partnerships, and institutional operations would continue without disruption under the university’s new identity.

The institution is expected to maintain its focus on research, specialised training, and engineering technology development aimed at supporting Nigeria’s oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Christian elders from Borno and Adamawa states have appealed to the Federal Government to deploy forest guards to Sambisa Forest as part of efforts to strengthen security and intensify the fight against insurgency in the North-East.

The appeal was made in Abuja after a three-day fasting and prayer programme organised by Marghi leaders. The gathering also focused on prayers for the safe return of schoolchildren reportedly abducted in parts of Borno and Oyo states.

The elders called on the authorities to “flood Sambisa Forest with forest guards now” to help flush out terrorists and reduce attacks on communities in the region.

Their appeal follows the reported abduction of between 42 and 51 children, most of them toddlers and primary school pupils, by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Mussa town of Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on May 15, 2026. The incident affected communities within the Mussa, Birri and Shikarkir areas.

Reports also indicated that bandits attacked Ahoro-Esinele and nearby communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on the same day. About 46 people, including pupils, secondary school students and a toddler, were allegedly taken away during the attack.

Speaking for the Marghi community in Abuja, Elder Gambo Kadir said the security situation in the affected areas is more severe than many people realise. He claimed that numerous incidents are never officially documented.

Kadir noted that local government areas such as Madagali, Gwoza, Askira/Uba and Chibok have faced repeated attacks for more than a decade. He said the recent abduction in Mussa highlights the continuing security challenges confronting residents.

He also criticised the government’s strategy against insurgency. According to him, suspected terrorists are being rehabilitated instead of facing stronger measures.

The community leader further disclosed that another abduction was reported in Kirchiga town in Borno State shortly after the incident in Mussa.

The elders urged the Federal Government to increase the presence of security personnel in communities located around Sambisa Forest, especially in Madagali, Askira/Uba, Chibok and Gwoza.

They also called for improved intelligence gathering and the deployment of modern technology to support efforts aimed at rescuing abducted victims and tackling insurgency across the region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, has attributed Nigeria’s long-running electricity problems to what she described as poor public policy, despite the country’s abundant oil and gas resources.

Badenoch made the remarks during a recent interview with The Spectator, where she reflected on her upbringing and discussed a range of issues.

According to her, the presence of natural resources alone does not guarantee development if government policies fail to support their effective use.

“My belief that we need to drill our oil and gas comes from growing up in a country… Nigeria is an oil-producing country that has never had electricity,” she said.

“It is very easy to have resources under the ground, but stupid public policy means that you can’t use them,” she added.

Her comments come at a time when Nigeria continues to face persistent power supply shortages despite reforms and the privatisation of the electricity sector over the years.

Available data shows that the country’s electricity generation has largely remained between 3,500 and 5,000 megawatts, a figure many analysts consider inadequate for a population estimated at more than 250 million people.

Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently assured Nigerians that his administration would continue efforts to tackle the challenges facing the power sector.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has alleged that the daughter of Senate President Godswill Akpabio secured a position in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) without going through the proper recruitment process.

The former Edo State governor made the claim during an appearance on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye. He spoke while defending his remarks on the Senate’s handling of matters involving the NNPC and the bench warrant issued against former NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.

Oshiomhole further alleged that Akpabio had a personal interest in issues concerning the state-owned oil company. He claimed that Kyari played a role in the appointment of the Senate President’s daughter.

According to the senator, information available to him indicated that the employment did not follow the standard procedure used for recruitment.

“Myself inclusive. The second is my response to the former chief financial controller of NNPC, whose tenure the investigation covers, who pointedly said to the committee that it is you people. And now I know that the Senate President said his daughter was taken by Mele Kyari and put in a, well as Nigerians we say, in a juicy position that he probably didn’t merit,” he said.

Oshiomhole also accused current and former officials of the NNPC of using their influence to secure jobs for relatives within the organisation.

“They all have employed their children, their uncles, their cousins, their in-laws into various aspects of NNPC and put them in different positions. If they carry out the payroll of NNPC, you will find that they’ve turned the top level to a family business,” he said.

Despite the allegations, the senator stated that there was nothing wrong with relatives of public office holders working at the NNPC if they met the required qualifications and were employed through the appropriate channels.

“You can only make an issue if you give them a job they did not merit, they are not qualified for, and you didn’t follow the right procedure. Well, somebody told me that the Senate president daughter was taken without, not through a regular interview, not through the normal, but that is his own problem,” Oshiomhole said.

He also responded to criticism surrounding reports that the Senate distanced itself from the arrest warrant issued against former NNPC boss Mele Kyari. Oshiomhole maintained that the National Assembly acted within the powers granted to it by the Constitution.

By Uzair Adam

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has called on Nigerians to unite in the fight against insecurity, stressing that the challenge requires collective action, prayers, and sustained support for security agencies.

Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa, Matawalle described insecurity as a national problem that affects all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, or religion.

His remarks come amid renewed security concerns across parts of the country, following recent incidents of killings and abductions in some states.

Among the affected areas were communities in Oyo and Borno states, where armed groups reportedly attacked schools and abducted students and teachers.

Matawalle said the government remains committed to tackling insecurity and urged political actors to refrain from using security challenges as a tool for political campaigns.

“It is unfortunate, and all of us must work together to support our security agencies in overcoming this challenge. Insecurity does not target people based on their political party or religion; it affects everyone,” he said.

The minister accused some opposition figures of exploiting security incidents to undermine the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that such actions could discourage national efforts aimed at restoring peace.

According to him, some individuals have been circulating old and misleading videos on social media to create the impression that insecurity has worsened under the current administration.

“There are videos being shared online that are either outdated or taken from other countries, yet they are presented as recent events in Nigeria. This does not reflect the reality on the ground,” he said.

Matawalle maintained that security personnel are working tirelessly across the country to confront terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements.

He added that overcoming insecurity is a gradual process and not a challenge that can be resolved overnight.

He called on Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies and praying for peace, expressing confidence that ongoing efforts would eventually yield positive results.

“We must remain united and committed to ending insecurity. Our security operatives are doing their best, and with the support and prayers of Nigerians, we will continue making progress,” he added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has announced Friday as a public holiday to mark Democracy Day and commemorate 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani.

According to the statement, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, approved the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.

Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to protecting democratic principles, the rule of law, transparency, accountability and inclusive governance across the country.

He also stated that the Ministry of Interior, in partnership with relevant security agencies, would continue efforts aimed at safeguarding and enhancing internal security.

The minister stressed that peace and security remain critical to sustaining democracy and promoting national development.

He called on Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect on their civic responsibilities and the progress of the nation’s democratic journey.

“As we mark this historic day, every Nigerian is encouraged to remain law-abiding, uphold the institutions that sustain our democracy, and remember that the strength of any democracy lies ultimately in the character of its citizens,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo further noted that June 12 occupies a special place in Nigeria’s history because it honours the courage, resilience and sacrifices of citizens whose struggles paved the way for democratic rule.

“Their legacies continue to inform the values and responsibilities of the Nigerian state,” Tunji-Ojo added.

The annual Democracy Day celebration commemorates the country’s democratic progress and recognises individuals who played key roles in the restoration and preservation of democratic governance. (NAN)

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A popular Kaduna-based musician and social media influencer, Mycah Dangata, widely known by his catchphrase “Take Over Kaduna,” has been reportedly arrested by security operatives in Kaduna State.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the entertainer, whose real name is Zamani Musa, was picked up on Tuesday.

As of this report, authorities have not issued any official statement explaining the reason for his detention.

The arrest has sparked reactions from his supporters and followers, many of whom are calling on relevant agencies to provide clarity and transparency regarding the incident.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Eastern Sanity II have arrested three suspected arms dealers and recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition during a security operation in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.

The arrest was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by Mazinho Attah, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia.

According to the statement, the operation took place in the early hours of June 7, 2026. Personnel from the 14 Brigade Garrison and the 14 Military Intelligence Regiment carried out a cordon-and-search exercise in Amaetiti Iheshiowa community in collaboration with other security agencies.

The Army said the operation followed credible intelligence reports about the presence and circulation of illegal arms and ammunition within the area.

During the exercise, security personnel arrested three suspects identified as Francis Ifere, 37; Oso Kalu, 40; and Ifere Oti, 32.

Items recovered from the suspects included seven locally made Dane guns, 22 live cartridges, and a motorcycle. Troops also impounded a bus said to belong to one Stephen Kalu, who reportedly escaped before security operatives arrived at the scene.

The Army stated that troops deployed across different battalion areas have continued to conduct night patrols and other routine security operations to prevent criminal activities and protect lives and property.