Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court sitting in Maiduguri, on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 convicted and sentenced one Bukar Ahmed Shuwa to ten years imprisonment.

The convict was arraigned on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 by the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a one -count amended charge for the offence of cheating to the tune of N2,950,000.00 (Two Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira).

The charge reads: “That you, Bukar Ahmed Shuwa sometimes in the year 2024 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court fraudulently induced one Mahmud Ali to deliver to you the aggregate sum of N2, 950,000.00 under the guise of Crypto Bitget Wallet Coin Investment and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 309 and punishable under Section 310 of the Penal Code Law and Other Matters Connected therewith Law, 2023.”

The defendant pleaded ‘guilty’ to the charge when it was read to him.

Following his plea, prosecution counsel, A.D Abdulmalik prayed the court to convict him accordingly. While in the same vein, counsel to the defendant, H. Basharu pleaded for leniency and urged the court to temper justice with mercy upon him.

Basharu further stated that the convict had fully restituted the money to the petitioner and urged the court to sentence him with an option of fine.

Thereafter, Justice Kumaliya convicted and sentenced the convict to ten years imprisonment with an option of N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine.

The convict’s journey to the Correctional facility started when he fraudulently induced the petitioner  to deliver to him the sum of N2.9m under the guise of Crypto Bitget Wallet Coin Investment and diverted the money to his personal use.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has called on media practitioners in Osun State to support efforts to curb the spread of fake news ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The appeal was made on Tuesday in Osogbo by the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, during a programme titled “The Journalists-INEC Voter Education and Publicity Dialogue on the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election.”

The event was organised by the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria programme in collaboration with the INEC headquarters as part of preparations for the forthcoming poll.

Addressing journalists and media stakeholders, Babalola stressed the importance of the media in safeguarding the credibility of the electoral process through accurate and responsible reporting.

She said the media remained a critical partner in voter education, information dissemination and public enlightenment, particularly as the election date draws nearer.

Babalola warned that misinformation and disinformation posed significant threats to credible elections in the digital era, noting that false narratives and manipulated content could erode public confidence in the democratic process.

“As we move closer to this important date, the role of the media as a partner in voter education, information dissemination, and public enlightenment cannot be over-emphasised,” she said.

She added, “One of the greatest threats to credible elections in this digital age is the spread of disinformation and misinformation. False narratives, fake results, doctored videos, and malicious propaganda have the capacity to undermine public confidence in the electoral process, incite violence, and delegitimise outcomes.”

The REC urged journalists to verify information before publication and actively challenge false reports with factual and balanced coverage.

“We must therefore work together to build a robust defence against these threats. The media must serve as gatekeepers of truth, verifying information before dissemination and countering falsehoods with factual reporting,” Babalola stated.

She also reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to providing timely, accurate and verifiable information through its official communication channels, urging journalists to rely on those platforms and collaborate with the commission in addressing misleading reports.

According to her, “the dialogue provided an opportunity for INEC and media organisations to develop creative, culturally sensitive and accessible voter education strategies capable of reaching residents in languages and formats they easily understand.”

Earlier, the Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society, Dr Akin Akingbulu, called on journalists to uphold their responsibility of educating citizens about their roles before, during and after the election while also scrutinising campaign promises and monitoring the commission’s readiness for the poll.

Akingbulu said media practitioners should not remain passive observers, adding that they must “reflect, interrogate, and rank. And your perspectives will reach further than you may expect.”

Governor Charles Soludo has said that Anambra State and the All Progressives Grand Alliance would support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Soludo made the declaration while addressing members of the City Boy Movement, Anambra State Chapter.

The governor said his political decisions are guided by the interests of Anambra people and the Igbo nation, stressing that he believes in what he described as the “politics of evidence.”

He cited the Federal Government’s approval of the state’s proposed aerotropolis as a Free Economic Trade Zone as an example of the benefits of cooperation with the current administration.

According to him, the approval was granted in what he described as the fastest response he had witnessed from the Federal Government.

Soludo also said that although APGA remains a separate political party, it shares progressive ideals with the ruling party and should work with the Federal Government for the benefit of the South-East region.

The governor maintained that progressive political forces must collaborate to advance the interests of the Igbo people and accelerate development in Anambra State.

Soludo said: “You don’t take second position in politics. I don’t play that kind of politics. The Politics I want to play is for the interest of Ndi Anambra, and the Igbo.

“I only play politics of evidence.

“The President in a fastest approval I have ever seen, he designated our aero metropolis as a free economic trade zone. That’s politics.

“Despite the fact that we are in APGA, we understand it that progressives have to work together for the good of Igbo.”

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Kaduna State branch, on Tuesday staged a nationwide solidarity rally over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers, calling on the Nigerian government to urgently treat attacks on schools and the abduction of students and teachers as a national emergecy.

Addressing newsmen in Kaduna, Comrade Sunday Garba, the state treasurer of the union, said the protest was driven by the pain of repeated attacks on schools across the country. He said they gathered not by choice but because their children, who are supposed to be the future of Nigeria, are in captivity.

He lamented: “Teachers who are saddled with the responsibility of shaping the future of this country have been silenced.”

Garba explained that the rally was triggered by the recent abduction in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, stressing that it was also a response to a pattern of school kidnappings that remains unabated.

The union observed that in April 2014, 276 female students were kidnapped from Chibok in Borno State and that more than 90 are still missing. It added that in February 2018, 110 schoolgirls were abducted in Dapchi, Yobe State, while five were killed.

The union stated that in December 2020, more than 300 boys were abducted in Kankara, Katsina State, and were later released. It added that in February 2021, 27 students were abducted in Kagara, Niger State, while one student was killed.

The union further stated that in February 2021, 317 girls were abducted in Jangebe, Zamfara State, and later released. It also pointed out that between March and April 2021, 39 students were kidnapped from Afaka in Kaduna State, while about 20 students of Greenfield University were abducted, with five of them later killed by bandits.

“In July 2021, in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, over 100 students of Bethel Baptist High School were kidnapped and later released in batches. In March 2024, 287 students were abducted in Kuriga, Kaduna State,” he said.

He further recalled that in November 2025, 25 girls were abducted in Maga, Kebbi State, while the vice principal was killed. He also noted that in November 2025, more than 300 students and teachers were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State. In May 2026, 26 children were taken from an orphanage/school in Kogi State, while other abductions occurred in three schools in Oriire, Oyo State.

Garba said that when a child is abducted, every schoolchild loses a piece of their freedom.

“When one teacher falls, every teacher stands afraid. Schools have become targets,” he added.

The union therefore called for the immediate release of all students and teachers in captivity, insisting that the issue should be treated as a national emergency.

Activist and public affairs analyst, Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe, has said the recent arrest of five suspected terrorists, including two foreign nationals, by the Department of State Services (DSS) demonstrates that Nigeria’s security agencies are capable of delivering significant results when adequately equipped and supported.
Ughegbe stated this during an interview on Wednesday on Arise News while discussing the country’s security challenges and the role of citizens in addressing them.

According to him, Nigeria must acknowledge the seriousness of its security situation, noting that even President Bola Tinubu has publicly expressed concern about insecurity.

“We are in trouble as a country; we must admit that,” Ughegbe said.

Despite the challenges, he argued that the DSS operation should inspire confidence in the country’s security institutions.

“This very remarkable feat by the DSS shows that the agency, when allowed to do its job, properly equipped and properly motivated, has the capacity, not just the potential, to generate credible and actionable intelligence,” he said.

Ughegbe said the operation demonstrated the ability of security agencies to infiltrate terrorist networks, intercept intelligence and disrupt the movement of weapons among criminal groups.

“Being able to capture these five terrorists, including two foreign nationals, speaks volumes to the fact that we can be hopeful, even though there is still a lot of work to be done,” he added.

He stressed that intelligence gathering depends heavily on cooperation from members of the public, urging Nigerians to report suspicious activities within their communities.

“DSS officials are not spirits, they will not get information unless citizens provide it. If you have people living within your community whom nobody knows, there should be a way of quietly passing information to the authorities,” he said.

Ughegbe also blamed part of the security challenge on public complacency, saying many residents pay little attention to unfamiliar individuals living around them.

“Many of us live in areas where we do not know our neighbours. Yet terrorists and criminals can live within those same communities,” he said.

The analyst further urged political leaders and opposition figures to avoid politicising security issues, arguing that national security should take precedence over partisan interests.

“If we are all concerned about the state of affairs in Nigeria, then we must put the country first, there cannot be elections without citizens being safe,” he said.

Drawing comparisons with responses to major security incidents in other countries, Ughegbe called for greater unity in tackling insecurity.

“We need to get to a stage where we drop politics and focus on securing our country. Before politics, our citizenship and our safety must come first,” he added.

Justice A. I. Akobi of the Federal Capital Territory, High Court, Kubwa, Abuja, on Monday, June 1, 2026, slated June 15, 2026 for judgment in the case of criminal impersonation of  officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and extortion by one Salifu Olije Mustapha.

At Monday’s proceeding, the EFCC presented its First Prosecution Witness, PW1, Stanley Ujilibo against the defendant.

The witness, an investigator with the EFCC, disclosed that the Commission received intelligence on how the defendant and two others, identified as Haruna Mamuda Adamu and Abubakar Umar Hamisu- who are currently under arrest and investigation by a security agency-on several occasions kitted themselves with fake operational uniforms of EFCC and set out in the defendant’s Toyota Corolla, with registration number KTU-399-GT to extort money from unsuspecting youths around Sherif Plaza, Wuse 2, Abuja.

He further disclosed that the defendant’s share of the proceeds of their criminal activities is usually paid into his account with Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, adding that EFCC’s investigation team had to write Moniepoint for the statement of the defendant’s account as well as his account opening package and certificate of identification.

Documents, including video evidence, recorded by eyewitnesses during one of the gang’s unlawful activities, tendered in evidence by prosecution counsel, R.U. Adagba were admitted by the court and marked Exhibit A to D.

On his part, counsel to the defendant, John Ainetor, prayed the court for a short adjournment to enable him review the evidence and cross-examine the witness.

The defendant is being prosecuted by the EFCC on a four-count charge, bordering on criminal impersonation to which he pleaded guilty upon arraignment.

Justice Akobi adjourned the matter till June 15, 2026 for continuation of cross-examination and sentencing of the defendant.

A member of the Kano State House of Assembly representing Makoda Constituency, Hon. Muhammad Ahmad Tomas, has left the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tomas made his return known on Monday during a visit to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, at his residence in Abuja.

He was accompanied by the chairmen of Makoda and Dambatta local government areas, Alhaji Isa Currency and Alhaji Jamilu Abubakar Dambatta.

Receiving the lawmaker, Senator Barau described his return to the APC as a welcome development, saying it aligns with efforts to strengthen governance and political stability.

“This is a timely and commendable decision. It shows commitment to development and good governance,” Barau said.

The Deputy Senate President also assured Tomas of fair treatment within the APC, adding that the party remains open to returning members and committed to equal opportunities for all.

He further expressed confidence that Tomas’ return would boost the party’s strength in Kano North and across Kano State.

In a post shared on his Facebook page, Barau said he was optimistic that the development would further consolidate the APC’s presence in the region.

Tomas’ defection comes after he recently lost the NDC ticket to contest for a second term in the Kano State House of Assembly, a decision that was reportedly reached through consensus within the party.

The lawmaker had earlier left the APC for the NDC, where he was received by party leaders, including Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, before returning to the ruling party.

The President-General of the Idoma Association USA, Edwin Ochai, has said that the greatest challenge confronting the Idoma nation is not a lack of education, intelligence or human capacity, but the absence of unity and a collective vision.

Ochai stated this on Saturday during the 2026 Idoma Centenary Plus Lecture held in Otukpo, Benue State.

Reflecting on the presentations and discussions at the event, he said the lecture broadened his understanding of the current realities facing the Idoma people and the path they must take to secure a better future.

According to him, one of the most striking lessons from the centenary lecture was that despite producing numerous professors, military generals, technocrats, public servants and other distinguished professionals, the Idoma nation has not translated its vast human resources into the level of political, economic and social development it deserves.

“The greatest challenge facing us today is not a lack of education, intelligence or human capacity. Rather, it is the absence of unity and a collective vision,” he said.

Ochai noted that the achievements of individual Idoma sons and daughters across various sectors demonstrate that the nation is not lacking in talent, knowledge or leadership potential.

He, however, lamented that personal interests, political divisions and clan loyalties often take precedence over the collective good, thereby limiting the community’s ability to harness its full strength for development.

“The Idoma people continue to excel, but their collective strength remains underutilised. A people united by a shared purpose can achieve far more than even the most brilliant individuals working separately,” he stated.

The Idoma Association USA leader said the centenary celebration should serve not only as a reflection on the achievements of the past century but also as a call to action for greater unity and purposeful leadership.

As the country approaches another election cycle, Ochai urged the Idoma people to rise above sentiments, personal relationships and short-term gains when choosing their leaders.

According to him, voters should focus on candidates with proven competence, integrity, vision and a genuine commitment to advancing the interests of the Idoma nation.

He said the people must critically evaluate every aspirant seeking public office by examining their track record of service, ability to unite the people and commitment to development, education, youth empowerment, security and economic growth.

“The future of our people depends not on who speaks the loudest or spends the most money, but on who possesses the vision, competence, integrity and commitment to advance the interests of the Idoma nation,” he said.

Ochai further stressed the need for leaders who can mobilise professionals, entrepreneurs, traditional institutions, women and youths towards a common developmental agenda.

He described the election season as an opportunity for the Idoma people to make informed decisions that would benefit both the present and future generations.

According to him, the centenary celebration should inspire the Idoma nation to embrace unity, collective purpose and visionary leadership capable of transforming the area into a model of progress, influence and development.

“The time to act is now. The time to unite is now. Now is the time to make a wise choice,” he added.

A High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has sentenced seven men to death by hanging after finding them guilty of the kidnapping and murder of Reverend Edwin Isaiah Dokubo-Harry more than a decade ago.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Boma Diepiri on Thursday, concluded a long-running case arising from the killing of the clergyman in Abalama, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, in December 2013.

Those convicted are Precious Jack Opara, Answer Dick, Osaki Fubara, Prince Mikado Philip, Tienabeso George, Seleipri Fubara, and Alaboeriya Fubara.

The court found them guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping, murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and related offences.

Justice Diepiri held that the prosecution successfully established the charges against the defendants and consequently imposed the death sentence on all seven convicts.

The court heard that the victim was allegedly lured into a forest in Abalama, where he was abducted by members of the group.

He was reportedly blindfolded and restrained before being killed, after which his body was abandoned in a creek in the area.

The judge further ordered that the firearm recovered during the investigation, along with other exhibits tendered in evidence, be released to the Nigeria Police Force.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Israel and Nephew Philemon, who were also standing trial in connection with the matter, were cleared of all allegations.

The court discharged and acquitted both men of the 25-count charge after determining that the evidence presented was insufficient to link them to the offences.

The verdict triggered emotional reactions in the courtroom, with some of the convicts and their relatives shedding tears as the sentences were pronounced.

A High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has sentenced seven men to death by hanging after finding them guilty of the kidnapping and murder of Reverend Edwin Isaiah Dokubo-Harry more than a decade ago.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Boma Diepiri on Thursday, concluded a long-running case arising from the killing of the clergyman in Abalama, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, in December 2013.

Those convicted are Precious Jack Opara, Answer Dick, Osaki Fubara, Prince Mikado Philip, Tienabeso George, Seleipri Fubara, and Alaboeriya Fubara.

The court found them guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping, murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and related offences.

Justice Diepiri held that the prosecution successfully established the charges against the defendants and consequently imposed the death sentence on all seven convicts.

The court heard that the victim was allegedly lured into a forest in Abalama, where he was abducted by members of the group.

He was reportedly blindfolded and restrained before being killed, after which his body was abandoned in a creek in the area.

The judge further ordered that the firearm recovered during the investigation, along with other exhibits tendered in evidence, be released to the Nigeria Police Force.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Israel and Nephew Philemon, who were also standing trial in connection with the matter, were cleared of all allegations.

The court discharged and acquitted both men of the 25-count charge after determining that the evidence presented was insufficient to link them to the offences.

The verdict triggered emotional reactions in the courtroom, with some of the convicts and their relatives shedding tears as the sentences were pronounced.