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Kano govt marks Azman University, other alleged illegal structures, orders owners to show documents

The Kano State Government has marked over 50 properties, including Azman University, as part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal structures across the state.

The Director General of the Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS), Dr. Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, who is also leading the enforcement committee, said the affected property owners have been asked to present their documents or face legal action.

Speaking during the exercise on Tuesday, he explained that the illegal structures include buildings without proper ownership documents or those constructed in restricted areas such as under high-tension power lines or on waterways.

“Some structures have no documents to prove ownership, while others are built in prohibited places like under the national grid or on drainage paths. All these are considered illegal,” he said.

He said the enforcement team visited several locations along Maiduguri Road, Rijiyar Gwangwan, Ladi Makole, Matar Fada road, and other parts of Kano, where many properties were sealed or marked.

“Today alone, we marked more than 50 properties. Our operation is called ‘Operation Show Your Document.’ If you come forward with genuine documents, we will allow you to continue. You will not pay any money,” he said.

Sani stressed that the government is not targeting anyone unfairly, but simply enforcing the law.

“If you do the right thing, you have nothing to worry about. But if you refuse to come forward, then the law will take its course. It is not business as usual,” he added.

At Azman University, the officials did not shut down the institution but placed markings on some structures and asked the management to present all relevant documents.

“We are here at the university. We did not close it, students are still learning, but we have asked the owners to come and present their documents,” he said.

He noted that the university premises include several other facilities such as a filling station and factories, which will also be assessed.

“It is a large property with many structures inside. When they come, they must provide documents for everything, including the filling station and other facilities,” he explained.

The KANGIS boss also emphasized that no one is above the law, regardless of status or political affiliation.

“No exemption in Kano. No matter who you are, you must follow the law. Everyone must go through due process,” he said.

He called on residents to cooperate with the committee, assuring that the exercise is in the best interest of the state.

“In the end, this will benefit all of us. We want a better, more organized Kano,” he added.

admin by — June 24, 2026 in News 0
Police investigate ammunition sent to First Bank MD in Lagos

Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation into the delivery of a suspicious parcel containing two live rounds of ammunition to the residence of the Managing Director of First Bank of Nigeria, Oluwasegun Alebiosu.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, confirmed the development on Tuesday, describing the incident as a serious security concern.

According to the police commissioner, the parcel was delivered to the bank chief’s residence in the Ikoyi area of Lagos on May 7, 2026.

Fatai disclosed the incident while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja during a review of the command’s activities over the past two weeks.

He explained that the parcel was received by a security guard at the residence on behalf of the bank executive.

“The Managing Director of First Bank reported that a parcel collected by a security guard at his residence was later opened and found to contain two live rounds of ammunition,” the commissioner said.

He added that the recovered ammunition was identified as 7.62mm calibre rounds, prompting the police to immediately commence investigations into the matter.

The commissioner noted that no arrest had been made so far but assured that detectives were actively pursuing all available leads to uncover those responsible for the act.

According to him, the complainant had mentioned certain individuals he suspected might be connected to the incident, but stressed that such claims remained allegations pending the outcome of investigations.

“Those mentioned are merely suspects based on the complainant’s suspicion. Our investigation will determine those truly connected to the incident,” he stated.

Fatai urged members of the public to avoid speculation while investigations remain ongoing, noting that all claims and allegations would be thoroughly scrutinised before any conclusion is reached.

He also clarified that no individual or organisation had officially been linked to the incident at this stage.

The police commissioner assured that the investigation would be exhaustive and pledged that anyone found responsible would be brought to justice.

admin by — June 24, 2026 in News 0
World Cup 2026: Cristiano Ronaldo now Portugal’s all-time leading goal scorer [Top 11]

Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, is now the country’s all-time leading goalscorer in the FIFA World Cup tournament.

The 41-year-old achieved this feat after scoring a brace in Portugal’s 5-0 win against Uzbekistan on Tuesday.

Ronaldo’s brace has taken his tally to 10 goals in FIFA World Cup history from 24 appearances.

The Al-Nassr forward is one goal ahead of Eusébio on the list.

Portugal’s all-time leading goal scorer in the World Cup [Top 11]:

10 goals – Ronaldo

9 goals – Eusébio

4 goals – Pauleta

3 goals – José Augusto, José Torres and Gonçalo Ramos

2 goals – Pepe, Bruno Fernandes, Thiago, Rafael Leão and Maniche.

admin by — June 24, 2026 in News 0
Sowore: DSS begins probe of operatives’ conduct

The Department of State Services, DSS, has announced an investigation into the conduct of its operatives following the remand of activist Omoyele Sowore at Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.

The Service said it was aware of public concerns arising from events at the Federal High Court in Abuja on June Monday which led to Sowore’s remand, including an altercation involving a custodial officer and a reported scuffle with security operatives.

This was made known in a statement on Tuesday by Favour Dozie, DSS Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications.

According to the DSS, although Sowore was eventually taken to Kuje Prison, he reportedly opted to be transported in a DSS vehicle instead of a Correctional Service vehicle, a development the agency described as unusual and part of the circumstances under review.

The DSS said its Director-General has ordered an immediate investigation into the conduct of operatives involved in the incident.

Providing background, the agency said Sowore’s case stemmed from a post he allegedly made on his social media accounts on August 25, 2025, in which he criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over remarks made during a foreign trip.

It said rather than arrest him immediately, the Service issued a letter on September 4, 2025, demanding a retraction within one week, in line with what it described as efforts to resolve such matters without force.

The DSS referenced previous cases, including the Federal High Court’s ruling that declared Prof. Pat Utomi’s “Shadow Government” unconstitutional, as well as instances where it said it sought apologies or judicial clarification over alleged false publications involving its operatives.

The agency also cited past defamation cases involving allegations against its personnel, noting that courts had ruled in favour of its officers.

It further stated that Sowore was charged under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, and that he was granted bail on self-recognition without opposition from the DSS.

The Service maintained that the remand and related proceedings were based strictly on court processes, adding that it neither effected the arrest nor opposed the bail granted to Sowore.

The DSS reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and adherence to the rule of law, even in the face of public criticism.

admin by — June 24, 2026 in News 0
MTN urges unity amid South Africa-Nigeria tensions

MTNMTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Ralph Mupita, has called for greater unity, stronger adherence to the rule of law and deeper economic integration across Africa, warning that rising anti‑immigrant sentiments and cross‑border tensions could undermine the continent’s development ambitions and deter investment.

Mupita’s remarks come amid renewed diplomatic tensions sparked by anti-immigrant protests in South Africa and Ghana, which have drawn widespread criticism on social media and prompted threats of retaliatory actions against businesses associated with those countries in markets such as Nigeria.

Writing on LinkedIn ahead of a migration dialogue hosted by the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation, Mupita noted that Africa’s long‑term prosperity would depend on its ability to strengthen social cohesion while accelerating economic cooperation among countries.

“The future of Africa depends on greater social solidarity, increasing economic integration and the observance of the rule of law,” Mupita said.

His remarks add to growing concerns among policymakers and business leaders over the economic consequences of recurring episodes of Afrophobia and xenophobic violence on the continent.

Analysts have long warned that such incidents damage Africa’s reputation among international investors at a time when governments are competing for foreign capital to support infrastructure, industrialisation and job creation.

The World Bank and other development institutions have repeatedly highlighted political instability and social unrest as factors that weaken investor confidence and reduce foreign direct investment inflows into Sub‑Saharan Africa.

For many observers, the latest tensions underscore the fragility of regional integration efforts under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to create a single market for goods and services across the continent.

Mupita’s emphasis on the rule of law was particularly significant given longstanding concerns over the protection of foreign nationals and businesses operating across African borders.

Human rights groups have previously criticised authorities for failing to adequately prevent attacks on migrants and foreign‑owned businesses during outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa. At the same time, businesses operating in host countries elsewhere on the continent have occasionally faced calls for boycotts or reprisals during diplomatic disputes.

Speaking to Bloomberg, Mupita said MTN had not experienced any direct impact on its operations from the recent tensions but remained alert to developments in key markets.

“We have not seen impacts specifically to our business, but we’re very sensitive in markets such as Nigeria and Ghana,” he said.

MTN, Africa’s largest mobile network operator by subscribers, has significant operations across several countries, including Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa, making regional stability critical to its business.

Industry observers note that the telecom giant’s footprint gives it a unique perspective on the importance of cross‑border cooperation and economic integration. The company serves millions of customers and supports extensive digital infrastructure that underpins commerce and communication across the continent.

admin by — June 24, 2026 in Business 0
Wema Bank, EIB Global sign €50m SME financing deal

Wema Bank has entered into a €50m financing agreement with the European Investment Bank’s development arm, EIB Global, to expand access to credit for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.

The facility focuses specifically on women- and youth-owned businesses across the country.

The agreement was signed on Friday, 19 June 2026, at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos, marking the first transaction between EIB Global and Wema Bank.

According to both institutions, the facility is aimed at supporting eligible businesses across Nigeria, with at least 50 per cent of the loans earmarked for youth-owned enterprises to promote entrepreneurship, job creation, and inclusive economic growth.

The remaining 50 per cent will target businesses owned, managed, employing, or primarily serving women.

The initiative is backed by the European Union’s Global Gateway programme and is aligned with Nigeria’s Financial Inclusion Strategy.

In addition to the credit line, EIB Global said it would provide technical assistance to Wema Bank through its Greening the Financial Sector programme.

The support is intended to strengthen climate-related lending practices and promote environmentally sustainable investments.

Beneficiaries of the fund will include Wema Bank customers with qualifying businesses, as well as graduates of selected accelerator programmes.

These include the Investing in Young Businesses in Africa initiative, a Team Europe programme focused on supporting young entrepreneurs, particularly women and youths.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the EIB Vice President, Ambroise Fayolle, described the agreement as a step towards promoting youth employment and gender inclusion in Nigeria.

Fayolle said, “This first financial agreement with Wema Bank is an important contribution to strengthen youth employment, gender equality and women’s empowerment in Nigeria.

“We also support entrepreneurs in adopting best practices in green financing. This is our responsibility as the EU climate bank and a key partner of Global Gateway.”

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, said the facility would enable the bank to deepen its support for underserved segments of the economy.

Oseni said, “As a bank whose legacy is rooted in empowerment, this agreement presents remarkable opportunities to scale our impact even further.

“In tandem with our commitment to inclusion, this facility is strategically focused not only on helping more businesses access critical financial support, but also on addressing gender gaps and creating opportunities for Nigerian youths to become economically active and self-employed.”

He added that the financial institution would ensure that qualified businesses benefit from the opportunity.

The two institutions said the partnership reflects their shared commitment to youth employment, gender equality, access to finance for women entrepreneurs and young enterprises, as well as environmental sustainability.

The EIB noted that it had invested about €2.3bn in Nigeria since commencing operations in the country in 1978.

The bank added that the funds had supported projects in sectors including transport, climate adaptation, innovation, digitalisation, agribusiness logistics, and SME financing.

Among those present at the signing ceremony were Wema Bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Oluwole Ajimisinmi; Executive Director, Olukayode Bakare; and the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot.

admin by — June 24, 2026 in Business 0
FG issues fresh petrol import permits

The Federal Government, through its Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, has approved fresh imports of petrol and diesel for the third quarter of 2026 (July – September) as authorities move to prevent potential supply shortages in the domestic market, according to a report by global energy intelligence firm Argus Media.

The report published on Tuesday, which cited regulatory and industry sources, said the latest approvals were issued to major downstream operators amid declining fuel stock levels and concerns over reduced gasoline production at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The move comes as Nigeria continues to balance increasing local refining capacity with the need to guarantee adequate supplies of petroleum products across the country.

According to the Argus report, domestic firms including AA Rano, AYM Shafa, Bono Energy, Nipco, Matrix Energy and Pinnacle Oil received permits to import Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, during the July-September period.

The publication further reported that the same companies, with the exception of Nipco, were granted approvals to import Automotive Gas Oil, commonly known as diesel. The fresh approvals follow an earlier batch of petrol import permits issued by the regulator in May, covering about 720,000 metric tonnes.

Quoting a regulatory source, Argus reported that many of the companies granted the latest approvals were among those that had received permits in previous rounds. “These are some of the same ones that previously received the PMS permits,” the source was quoted as saying.

According to sources cited by the publication, AA Rano and Matrix Energy each received approvals to import 180,000 metric tonnes of petrol. AYM Shafa received approval for 120,000 metric tonnes, while Pinnacle Oil received a permit covering 150,000 metric tonnes.

For diesel imports, Argus reported that AYM Shafa obtained a permit for 60,000 metric tonnes, while Pinnacle secured approval for 45,000 metric tonnes. The report stated that the import approvals were issued only recently after being delayed from an initial target date of June 15.

The report read, “The Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has issued clean product import permits for July to address supply shortages, according to sources. Domestic firms AA Rano, AYM Shafa, Bono, Nipco, Matrix and Pinnacle received gasoline import permits, while the same companies – minus Nipco – received gasoil import permits for the third quarter, sources said.

“The recipients are some of the same ones that [previously] received the PMS [gasoline] permits,” according to a regulatory source. A regulatory source quoted by the publication said the permits were approved to forestall projected supply gaps in the country’s fuel market.

“The permits were issued to head off projected shortfalls in supply”, the source said. “Issuance is still ongoing, so the final volume cannot be determined right now. But gasoline permits will likely be above 800,000T”, the source continued.

If achieved, the projected volume would exceed the total quantity approved under the second-quarter import programme. The approvals come at a time when fuel inventories are showing signs of tightening.

According to data referenced by Argus, petrol stock sufficiency in Nigeria declined by 1.7 days to 16 days in May, while diesel stock sufficiency dropped by eight days to 31 days during the same period. Such declines often prompt regulators to take precautionary measures to ensure uninterrupted supply across the country.

The report linked the reduction in stock levels to lower gasoline production at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Lagos. According to figures cited by Argus, gasoline production at the refinery fell by 16 per cent to 44.7 million litres per day, while diesel production increased by four per cent to 24.5 million litres daily.

Market participants quoted in the report attributed the drop in petrol output to maintenance activities on the refinery’s Residual Fluid Catalytic Cracker, one of its major gasoline-producing units.

Argus reported that a source close to the refinery described suggestions linking increased exports of low-sulphur straight-run fuel oil and the maintenance programme as “partially correct” but declined to provide additional details.

The Dangote refinery did not respond to requests for comment, according to the publication. The report also noted that recent movements in international fuel prices could make imports more attractive to independent marketers.

Argus said front-month Eurobob oxy swaps, increasingly used as the benchmark for gasoline trade in West Africa, averaged $946.25 per tonne in June, down from $1,128.50 per tonne during the corresponding period in May.

Similarly, offshore Lomé ship-to-ship diesel prices averaged $1,093.50 per tonne in June, compared to $1,409.25 per tonne in May. The lower international prices are expected to improve import economics for marketers seeking to supplement domestic supply.

Despite the availability of import permits, however, the report suggested that marketers may not fully utilise all approved volumes. According to preliminary vessel-tracking data from Kpler cited by Argus, independent marketers are expected to import about 354,000 metric tonnes of petrol during the current quarter.

The figure is substantially lower than the 720,000 metric tonnes approved under the second-quarter permit programme. The sources attributed the gap partly to the timing of the approvals, noting that marketers had limited time to execute import plans because the permits were issued midway through the quarter.

Meanwhile, the Dangote refinery is projected to import about 257,000 metric tonnes of gasoline during the current quarter, according to Kpler data referenced in the report.

Although the refinery operates as a free zone enterprise and does not require import permits to bring in foreign products, it must obtain regulatory approval from the NMDPRA before imported cargoes can be discharged into the Nigerian market.

The latest approvals underscore the continued role of imports in Nigeria’s fuel supply chain despite significant investments in domestic refining capacity.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which began supplying refined products to the local market last year, has helped reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel. However, industry stakeholders maintain that imports remain necessary whenever local production falls short of demand or when refineries undergo maintenance.

admin by — June 24, 2026 in Business 0
Investors warned as SEC halts Dangote IPO publicity

Investors warned as SEC halts Dangote IPO publicityThe Securities and Exchange Commission has directed capital market operators to immediately halt all promotional activities relating to a purported initial public offering by Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals FZE, warning that it has neither received nor approved any application for such an offer.

The directive was contained in a public notice issued by the commission on Tuesday amid the circulation of advertisements, flyers, digital banners and targeted electronic mails promoting a supposed public offering by the refinery.

The SEC said it had become aware of the materials being circulated across social media platforms and investment channels and expressed concern over the involvement of some Registered Capital Market Operators in the exercise.

According to the commission, “The Securities and Exchange Commission has banned the marketing and promotion of a purported initial public offering by Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals FZE, warning that no application for such an offer has been filed with or approved by the regulator.”

The regulator described the ongoing pre-marketing campaign as an “unwholesome and manipulative exercise,” noting that some operators were actively soliciting advance subscriptions for an offer that had not been presented to the Commission.

It warned that such activities were capable of misleading investors and damaging confidence in the capital market. The notice stated that the activities were “capable of misleading investors, distorting market expectations, creating information asymmetry and generally undermining the integrity of the capital market.”

The commission added that invitations urging investors to create accounts, pre-fund investments or secure guaranteed allocations amounted to market manipulation and constituted a “serious violation of the Investments and Securities Act.”

Consequently, the SEC directed all Registered Capital Market Operators, particularly stockbrokers and digital platform promoters, to immediately stop all promotional activities relating to the purported offer.

It ordered operators to “cease with immediate effect from publishing, reposting, or distributing any promotional material, flyer, or commentary relating to the acquisition or allocation of shares in the refinery.”

The commission also directed operators to remove all unauthorised marketing materials from their websites, social media platforms and messaging groups within 24 hours.

The SEC also instructed operators to stop accepting deposits, commitments, account openings or expressions of interest from investors in connection with the purported public offer.

The regulator further ordered operators to “reverse and refund all funds already collected in connection with this purported offering to clients within 24 hours of this notice.”

It warned that any operator that failed to comply with the directive would be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the Investments and Securities Act 2025 and the SEC Rules and Regulations.

The commission also advised investors to exercise caution and rely only on official communications issued through its approved channels.

It stated, “All such high-pressure marketing tactics, or transfer of funds to any operator for ‘pre-IPO’ placement should be ignored as they did not receive the commission’s approval.”

The SEC assured investors that if it eventually receives and approves an application for a public offering by Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals FZE, an approved prospectus would be made available to the investing public in line with the provisions of the Investments and Securities Act 2025.

The PUNCH earlier reported that the Dangote Group plans to sell a 10 per cent stake in its $20bn, 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery through a landmark Pan-African Initial Public Offering in 2026.

admin by — June 24, 2026 in Business 0
Why Ekiti election exposes serious danger to 2027 polls – Analyst

A public affairs analyst, Godwin Omini, said the outcome of the Ekiti 2026 governorship election sends a dangerous signal ahead of 2027 elections.

He disclosed in a statement on Monday, noting that Saturday’s election in Ekiti exposed the Independent National Electoral Commission’s alleged partiality.

Recall that on Sunday, INEC had declared Biodun Oyebanji as the winner of Saturday’s governorship election.

The ruling All Progressives Congress’s Oyebanji won the polls ahead of the gubernatorial candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and African Democratic Congress.

Reacting, Omini said Ekiti State has once again brought to the fore serious concerns about the conduct and neutrality of INEC.

“These developments raise profound questions about the Commission’s ability to serve as an impartial umpire in future elections, particularly the 2027 general elections.

“Indications emerged that INEC officials allegedly colluded with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) by facilitating the transfer of approximately 400,000 uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to the ruling party.

“These cards were reportedly distributed to non-indigenes in a manner that compromised the electoral process and undermined the will of genuine voters in Ekiti State.

“This alleged collaboration points to a troubling pattern of partiality that erodes public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system,” he stated.

admin by — June 23, 2026 in News 0
ADC candidates reject Adamawa LG election results, demand fresh poll

The chairmanship and councillorship candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who participated in the June 13, 2026, local government election in Adamawa State, have rejected its outcome.

Describing the election as a charade, the candidates are calling for a fresh poll.

The election in question produced chairmen-elect of the state’s 21 local government areas and councillors-elect for 226 wards, all from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Addressing journalists in Yola, the candidates alleged that the exercise conducted by the Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSIEC) lacked the basic ingredients of credibility.

One of the candidates, Abubakar Ahmadu, who spoke for all the candidates, said, “We wish to state emphatically that elections did not hold in all the local government councils across the state on June 13, 2026. We therefore wonder how results were concocted and how winners emerged.”

Ahmadu alleged that the announced results did not reflect the will of the people and could not be accepted.

“The purported conduct of the Adamawa council poll represents the height of electoral banditry,” he declared.

The ADC candidates called on democracy advocates and constitutional rights groups to intervene and defend democratic principles in the state.

Insisting that they do not recognise the announced winners, the ADC candidates demanded that ADSIEC fix a new date for a credible, transparent and inclusive local government election across Adamawa State.

admin by — June 23, 2026 in News 0