Tech

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has withdrawn the operating licences of 46 microfinance banks with immediate effect, citing serious regulatory breaches that threatened depositors’ funds and financial stability.

In a sweeping enforcement action approved by CBN Governor Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, the apex bank wielded its powers under Sections 12 and 13 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA), 2020, to shut down the affected institutions from July 1, 2026.

According to a statement by the bank’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, the revocation followed the failure of the microfinance banks to meet one or more statutory requirements, including insufficient assets to cover liabilities, unauthorised closure of operations, prolonged inactivity, failure to commence business within 12 months of licence approval, and inability to maintain minimum capital funds unimpaired by losses.

The CBN described the mass revocation as a necessary step to protect the integrity of the financial system, safeguard depositors, and ensure that all licensed institutions operate within the bounds of the law. “The Central Bank of Nigeria remains committed to promoting a safe, sound and resilient financial system,” the statement said, adding that further regulatory actions would be taken where necessary to sustain public confidence.

In a rare move, the CBN also released the full list of affected banks, naming them as:

1. Minji-Se Churchill MFB

2. Merchant MFB

3. Janmaa MFB

4. Busu MFB

5. Gold MFB

6. Zain MFB (formerly Dawakin Tofa MFB)

7. Bompai MFB

8. Ajwa MFB (formerly Gezawa MFB)

9. NOW NOW DIGITAL MFB

10. Crystabel Microfinance Bank

11. Chanelle MFB

12. Abia SME MFB

13. Kamba MFB

14. Iwade MFB

15. Winview MFB

16. Zuru MFB

17. Minjibir MFB

18. Shanono MFB

19. Sumaila MFB

20. Rimin Gado MFB

21. Mwaghavul MFB

22. Sycamore MFB

23. TOFA MFB

24. Safegate MFB

25. Creekline MFB

26. Bestar MFB

27. Livingspring MFB

28. Apple MFB

29. Stanford MFB

30. Frontline MFB

31. Zafec MFB

32. Supreme MFB

33. Bejin-Doko MFB

34. Kanopoly MFB

35. Bellbank MFB (formerly Tsanyawa MFB)

36. Yeneng MFB

37. Creditville MFB

38. MBAG MFB

39. STRAIGHT SAHARA MFB

40. OURPASS MFB

41. VERDANT MFB

42. BASAWA MFB

43. CASHA MFB

44. ESTEEM MFB

45. ENTREPRENEUR MFB

46. AVANTUS MFB

Financial analysts view the unprecedented publication of the defaulter list as a signal of the CBN’s tougher posture under Governor Cardoso, particularly in the microfinance subsector, where weak governance and capital erosion have been persistent concerns. The affected banks are now expected to commence winding-down procedures and settle outstanding obligations to depositors in line with existing resolution frameworks.

By Uzair Adam

The Permanent Commissioner of the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), Barrister Ahmed Mohammed, is still being held by bandits nine months after his abduction, despite reports that his family paid N40 million ransom in an effort to secure his freedom.

Barrister Ahmed was kidnapped on September 29, 2025, along the Mokwa–Ibbi Road in Borgu Local Government Area while travelling to Minna on an official assignment.

His abduction occurred about a month before the state’s local government elections held on November 1, 2025.

A member of his family, who requested anonymity, disclosed that the kidnappers have now demanded an additional N300 million for his release.

The source said the abductors contacted the family again on Monday to inquire whether they were prepared to meet the latest demand.

However, the family informed them that it could not raise such an amount.

“The bandits call almost every day. It was only on Tuesday that they did not call. We are appealing to the Niger State Government to intervene and help secure his release.

“He was abducted while carrying out an official assignment for the state government,” the source said.

Speaking on the development, a close friend of the victim, Ayuba Abubakar, said the family had exhausted all available options in its efforts to regain his freedom.

He expressed concern over reports indicating that Barrister Ahmed’s health condition has worsened during captivity.

“On behalf of his family, colleagues and well-wishers, I appeal to the Niger State Government and relevant security agencies to urgently step in and ensure his safe and unconditional release,” Abubakar said.

The continued captivity of the electoral commissioner has heightened concerns among his family members, friends and associates, who are calling for swift action to secure his freedom.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has confirmed that it has submitted the names and personal details of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its presidential and vice-presidential candidates for the 2027 general election.

The development was disclosed on Tuesday night by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement shared on X.

According to the party, the nomination details of both candidates have already been uploaded to INEC’s nomination portal.

The announcement signals a major step in the ADC’s preparations ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku, a former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Amaechi, a former minister of transportation and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), are expected to lead the party’s campaign in the next general election.

Further details regarding the nomination process and the party’s plans are still being awaited.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has declared that his detention will not weaken his determination to continue advocating for justice in Nigeria.

Sowore made the statement on Tuesday shortly after regaining freedom from the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.

In a post shared on his X account, the activist insisted that imprisonment would not force him to abandon his cause.

“Prison has never broken the resolve of those who fight for justice. If anything, it only strengthens our determination,” he said.

“The struggle continues. We will never surrender. #RevolutionNow #Sowore2027.”

Earlier on Tuesday, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted Sowore bail in the sum of N200 million.

The court directed him to provide two sureties as part of the bail requirements. One of the sureties must be a traditional ruler from his community, while the second must possess landed property within the Federal Capital Territory.

The judge also instructed the activist to surrender his international passport to the court registrar pending the conclusion of the case.

Following the ruling, the court ordered that Sowore be released to his legal team while the bail conditions are being fulfilled.

The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting the activist over a two-count charge linked to a social media post in which he allegedly referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “a criminal” on his X and Facebook accounts.

Sowore had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court had earlier granted him bail on self-recognition before the arrangement was later revoked.

On June 16, the presiding judge issued a warrant for Sowore’s arrest after he failed to appear in court for proceedings. The court held that the letter submitted to explain his absence did not provide sufficient reasons.

On June 22, the judge ordered that the activist be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his application challenging the withdrawal of his bail.

The court also dismissed an application in which Sowore requested that the judge withdraw from the case over alleged bias.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A member of the House of Representatives, Yusuf Gagdi, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration deserves recognition for the steps it has taken to address insecurity across the country, even though the problem has not been completely resolved.

Gagdi, who represents the Pankshin/Kanam/Kanke Federal Constituency of Plateau State, spoke on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

The lawmaker argued that it would be inaccurate to claim that the federal government has failed to make efforts to tackle security challenges.

“If the truth be told, I will say the truth irrespective of your understanding about the truth that I am saying,” he said.

“I will not refuse to tell you here that the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not make any effort towards solving the security problem.

“Promising to fix the security problem and putting effort towards fixing the security problem should both be recognised.”

Gagdi stated that although insecurity remains a major concern in the country, the government has continued to demonstrate commitment towards confronting the challenge.

He also disclosed that he had openly criticised certain security policies of the current administration during proceedings at the House of Representatives.

The APC lawmaker, however, accused some opposition politicians of taking advantage of the country’s security difficulties for political gain instead of presenting practical solutions.

According to him, some political actors appear more interested in drawing attention to the suffering of Nigerians than suggesting ways to improve the situation.

Gagdi added that national discussions should centre on finding solutions to insecurity rather than using the issue for partisan interests.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal Government has announced plans to scrap the policy separating Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) from Senior Secondary Schools (SSS), following alarming data revealing that over 20 million pupils dropped out before reaching senior secondary level.

Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa made the announcement on Tuesday during the inauguration of the UBEC Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee in Abuja. He declared that the “disarticulation policy,” which mandated separate operations, principals, and facilities for JSS and SSS, had failed to achieve its intended objectives.

“We have 20 million dropouts from primary school to JSS. Where are those students? We also found we have 80,000 public primary schools and only about 15,000 junior secondary schools. That’s a one-to-eight ratio,” Alausa stated.

The minister explained that this imbalance has created severe overcrowding in JSS facilities while leaving many senior secondary schools underutilised. He cited Kaduna and other northern states as prime examples of where the policy has proven counterproductive.

“This disarticulation policy has failed. We will phase it out. We can’t be creating positions because we want to create a director level for people while we harm our education system. It’s about doing what is best for every Nigerian child,” he added.

The proposal to abolish the policy will be presented at the next meeting of the National Council on Education for formal approval.

Alausa acknowledged previous failures in addressing student transition rates but assured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to fixing the educational system. “This government will not fail. We are fixing it,” he declared.

At the same event, the minister inaugurated a committee chaired by Professor Rashid Aderinoye to oversee UBEC-funded Smart Schools, Bilingual Schools and Alternative Schools across the country. The committee has been tasked with ensuring these projects are completed, handed over to states, and opened for learning.

The minister expressed concern that many of these institutions remain unfinished or have not admitted learners, describing the situation as a waste of public resources.

Nigeria continues to grapple with one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children, with millions of school-age children particularly in rural and conflict-affected communities still lacking access to formal education.

Education experts have consistently argued that addressing the crisis requires not only constructing new schools but ensuring that completed facilities are fully operational, adequately staffed and accessible to learners.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has graduated 50 officers from the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada, with officers from the Service’s Public Relations Unit taking the top positions in the exercise.

At the graduation ceremony held on Friday at the Ahmed Makarfi Hall of the College, Chief Superintendent of Customs Ridwan Yusuf emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student for Senior Course 14/2026. Chief Superintendent of Customs Nuruddeen Sa’idu finished as the Second Best Graduating Student.

Both officers serve in the National Public Relations Unit of the Service.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, congratulated the graduating officers through the Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Sulaiman Chiroma.

He described the course as one of the most demanding professional training programmes within the Service and urged the officers to remain committed to their duties.

“To whom much is given, much is expected. On behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, I urge you to remain mission-focused and continue to serve the nation with honesty, integrity and dedication,” Chiroma said.

The Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Duwoh Gaura, also reaffirmed the institution’s resolve to train competent officers in line with the reform agenda of the Customs leadership.

Gaura said the College would continue to support the vision of building a more professional and technology-driven Nigeria Customs Service capable of addressing modern customs and border management challenges.

The graduation ceremony formed part of the Service’s broader efforts to strengthen manpower development and improve operational efficiency across its formations.

Earlier in the week, the College hosted a regimental dinner in honour of the graduating officers at the NCCSC Hotel in Gwagwalada. Senior Customs officers, members of the management team and invited guests attended the event.

The Comptroller-General of Customs was also represented at the dinner by DCG Sulaiman Chiroma.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of a National Snakebite Treatment and Research Centre as part of measures to strengthen healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

The council also approved N73.9 billion for the procurement of essential medical supplies and other health interventions across the country.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, disclosed this on Monday after the FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Pate said Nigeria records about 43,000 snakebite cases every year. He noted that many victims either die or suffer long-term disabilities, especially in the north-east, north-west and north-central regions.

“The new centre will provide specialised treatment, undertake research on snakebite prevention and management, ensure sustainable access to quality antivenom, and collaborate with international partners,” he said.

The minister also announced that the council approved N6.9 billion for the National Blood Service Agency to purchase 10 compressed natural gas-powered mobile blood donation clinics.

According to him, the vehicles will improve blood collection and distribution across the country.

Pate further revealed that FEC approved N62 billion for the procurement of tuberculosis commodities to strengthen the country’s response to the disease.

“FEC also authorised N62 billion for tuberculosis (TB) commodities to boost response to one of the world’s highest TB burdens,” he added.

“The procurement seeks to reduce reliance on foreign donors and support eventual local production of TB medicines.

“The sum of N5 billion was also approved for the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to purchase reproductive health and family-planning commodities to improve maternal health services and expand voluntary family-planning access across the country.

“These approvals underscore the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening health infrastructure, widening access to essential medicines and promoting local pharmaceutical manufacturing.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 38-year-old businesswoman, Iwebema Ogechi Peace, after allegedly finding cocaine hidden in her luggage at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The suspect was apprehended on June 21, 2026, at the airport’s departure hall while preparing to board a Qatar Airways flight to Beijing, China.

According to the agency, intelligence reports led to her arrest. The suspect reportedly told investigators that she regularly travels to China to purchase goods for sale in Nigeria.

NDLEA operatives said a search of her luggage uncovered four parcels of cocaine weighing 7.5 kilogrammes. The illicit substance was allegedly concealed in a specially designed compartment inside the bag.

In a separate operation, a joint team made up of NDLEA officers, the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies intercepted a 40-foot container at the Apapa Port Complex in Lagos.

The agency said the container carried 195 sacks of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, weighing 4,959 kilogrammes with an estimated street value of N12.397 billion.

NDLEA disclosed that the container, which also contained Ford and Nissan vehicles, had been monitored since April 25 after departing Toronto, Canada.

The anti-narcotics agency also uncovered a syndicate accused of hiding illegal drugs inside passengers’ luggage at motor parks.

The operation followed the interception of a Sienna bus travelling from Nnewi, Anambra State, to Abuja on June 20.

According to NDLEA, officers recovered a package suspected to contain methamphetamine weighing 467.7 grams. The substance was reportedly concealed inside a black nylon bag hidden among clothes bearing the receiver’s phone number.

A follow-up operation led to the arrest of the intended recipient, Gloria Peter, at Utako Motor Park in Abuja. However, she denied knowledge of the package.

Investigators later arrested some bus loaders in Nnewi. One of them allegedly confessed that the package was placed inside the woman’s luggage on the instruction of the driver, identified as Abdurrazak Isah.

The driver reportedly linked one of his passengers, Onyebuchi Victor Okoye, to the drugs. NDLEA later arrested the suspect in Utako.

In another operation, NDLEA operatives arrested 57-year-old Ikechukwu Uwakwe at a motor park in Iddo, Lagos, with 209.5 kilogrammes of Scottish Loud allegedly meant for transportation to Enugu State.

The agency also arrested two Beninese nationals, Hossou Tito Julien and Mancellim Dossou, alongside a Nigerian identified as Jackson ThankGod, after intercepting a truck at Mile 2 Bridge in Lagos.

According to NDLEA, the truck was transporting 558,900 pills of Tramadol 250mg concealed in a fabricated compartment. The consignment reportedly originated from Togo through the Republic of Benin.

Similarly, officers arrested Lucky Abonga and Osas Azamobo along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on June 26 with 118 kilogrammes of skunk concealed among goods inside a truck travelling to Onitsha, Anambra State.

The agency also disclosed that Helen Ese Idiji, 40, and Rashidat Sa’adullah, 53, were arrested at Olumokun Street, Amukoko, Lagos, where officers recovered 28.8 kilogrammes of skunk.

NDLEA said investigations showed that Idiji allegedly stored drug consignments with Sa’adullah before distributing them to buyers.

Meanwhile, the agency said its commands across the country intensified sensitisation campaigns under the War Against Drug Abuse initiative in schools, communities, workplaces and religious centres.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers involved in the various operations. He urged them to sustain efforts aimed at combating drug trafficking across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have taken a 50-year-old man into custody following the alleged sexual assault of a nine-year-old girl in the Katagum Local Government Area.

The arrest took place in the Bulkachuwa community. According to a statement issued on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Habib, law enforcement officers at the Bulkachuwa Divisional Police Headquarters moved in on the suspect after the victim’s father filed an official complaint.

The incident reportedly occurred around 5:00 pm on June 14, 2026. The young girl was out hawking soya bean cakes when the suspect allegedly targeted her. Under the pretext of wanting to purchase her wares, he lured her into an uncompleted building where the assault took place.

Detailing the incident, Habib said, “According to a report received at the Bulkachuwa Divisional Police Headquarters on June 15, 2026, at about 5 p.m., the complainant, a resident of Bulkachuwa, reported that on June 14, 2026, at about 5 p.m., one Muhammadu Audu of the same address lured his nine-year-old daughter while she was hawking soya bean cakes.

“Subsequently, the suspect allegedly took the minor to an uncompleted building with the pretext of buying from her, and had unlawful sexual intercourse with her.
“As a result, the victim sustained injuries to her private parts.”

During police interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed that this was not an isolated incident. He also admitted that he used a knife to threaten the young girl’s life to prevent her from telling her parents.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to having committed the crime more than once and also admitted that he threatened to kill the victim with a knife if she disclosed the matter to her parents,” Habib stated.

Following the report, the survivor was rushed to the Primary Health Care Centre in Bulkachuwa for immediate medical attention and examination. Meanwhile, the suspect remains locked up in police custody.

State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed that a comprehensive investigation be launched into the matter.

“The Commissioner of Police condemned the act in strong terms and reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for sexual violence and crimes against children.
“The command further assures the public that the case will be diligently prosecuted and remains committed to protecting women and children across the state,” Habib added.

This development follows a similar incident in May, where the Bauchi State Police Command apprehended a 70-year-old man for the alleged assault of a 10-year-old girl in the Magama Gumau area of Toro Local Government Area.