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Kwara gov’t files criminal defamatory charges against Saraki

News Agency
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Kwara gov’t files criminal defamatory charges against Saraki
THE Kwara Government has instituted a criminal defamation suit at the state High Court against former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
The former Senate president, a doctor and former governor of the state, is charged with making defamatory statements against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The charge was filed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ibrahim Sulyman, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Ayoola Akande, and Assistant Chief State Counsel, B.L. Abdulsalam.
According to the charge sheet, Saraki was accused of publishing and sharing a statement on social media platforms including Facebook, X and in newspapers on or about April 17, 2026, alleging that AbdulRazaq did not possess secondary school education qualifications.
The government alleged that the statement was false and was intentionally published using insulting, derogatory and abusive language aimed at provoking the governor and the state government.
The prosecution further stated that the publication was capable of causing a breakdown of public peace, contrary to Section 399 of the Penal Code, Cap. P4, Laws of Kwara 2006.
At the court sitting on Wednesday, prosecution counsel, R.O. Balogun, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for arraignment and urged the court to issue a bench warrant against Saraki for failing to appear in court.
Balogun said that the defendant had been duly served and that his counsel’s presence in court indicated his awareness of the proceedings.
“The defendant’s counsel is in court appearing for him and he should be here. We are the prosecution and should be allowed to proceed. There is no valid reason given for his absence.
“We therefore pray the court to issue a bench warrant against him in line with Section 138,” he submitted.
However, counsel to the defendant, Jimoh Mumini, a senior advocate, challenged the jurisdiction of the court, arguing that the matter fell within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court rather than the State High Court.
He also questioned the service of the charge on his client, insisting that Saraki had not been properly served.
Following a two-hour recess to consider the submissions of both parties on the preliminary objection and request for adjournment, the trial judge, M.O. Folorunso, ruled that the defendant was entitled to seek an adjournment.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until July 3, for hearing of the preliminary objection and possible arraignment of the defendant. (NAN)

Again, Appeal Court strikes out NBC’s bid to overturn judgment barring fines on broadcasters

Mustapha USMAN
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Again, Appeal Court strikes out NBC’s bid to overturn judgment barring fines on broadcasters

THE Court of Appeal in Abuja has struck out a fresh appeal by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) seeking to overturn a Federal High Court judgment restraining it from imposing fines on broadcast stations.

The decision, delivered by a three-member panel of the appellate court, also aligns with an earlier ruling reported on April 3, 2026, in which the Court of Appeal dismissed a similar NBC appeal and affirmed that regulatory agencies could not impose punitive fines on broadcasters.

A statement by the Media Rights Agenda on the ruling noted that the court, in the latest judgment, held that NBC’s Notice of Appeal was “fundamentally defective.” It further described the notice as incompetent, stripping the court of jurisdiction to hear the case.

The appeal arose from a January 17, 2024, judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, delivered by a judge, Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia. The court had declared as unlawful the NBC’s imposition of ₦5 million fines each on several broadcast stations over documentaries on banditry and insecurity in Zamfara State.

The affected media organisations included Multichoice Nigeria Limited (DSTV), TelCom Satellite Limited (TSTV), Trust-TV Network Limited, and NTA-Startimes Limited. The court had held that the sanctions violated constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression, particularly the right to receive and impart information under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

“In her judgment, Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia held that the NBC’s act of imposing fines of ₦5 million each on Multichoice Nigeria Limited, owners of DSTV; TelCom Satellite Limited (TSTV); Trust-TV Network Limited; and NTA Startimes Limited, was unlawful and unconstitutional, and constituted a violation of the rights of MRA, its members, and other citizens of Nigeria to freedom of expression, particularly their rights to receive ideas and information without interference, as guaranteed by Section 39 of the Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights,” a statement by the MRA read in part.

It therefore struck out the appeal, holding that there was “no appeal in fact and in law before this court.”

The ICIR reports that the ruling followed an earlier judgment in a separate case, where the Court of Appeal upheld a May 2023 Federal High Court judgment delivered by James Omotosho. 

In that decision, the court, on April 3, 2026, held that only courts of law, not regulatory agencies, have the authority to impose fines for alleged criminal offences.

Omotosho had set aside fines previously imposed by the NBC on 45 broadcast stations for alleged breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, ruling that the Commission “is neither a court nor a judicial tribunal” and therefore could not determine criminal liability.

Dissatisfied with those rulings, the NBC pursued appeals at the appellate court. However, delivering the lead judgment, Oyejoju Oyewumi, a judge, upheld MRA’s arguments, ruling that the NBC’s appeal lacked merit.

She held that having failed to challenge the case at the Federal High Court, the commission could not raise issues at the appellate stage.

The ICIR reports that with the latest ruling MRA has secured victory in the two separate appeals involving the NBC over similar judgments of the Federal High Court restraining the commission from imposing fines on broadcast stations.

ICIR/FactCheckHub report selected as finalist for 2026 Global Fact-Checking Awards

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA
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ICIR/FactCheckHub report selected as finalist for 2026 Global Fact-Checking Awards

AN investigation by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) and FactCheckHub has been named a finalist in the Gold Standard category of the 2026 Global Fact-Checking Awards organised by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN).

The investigation, titled “AI-assisted Ponzi schemes: How Meta, YouTube’s regulatory lapses enable scammers smile to banks,” was selected among the top three entries globally in the category, which recognises fact-checking journalism that demonstrates the highest standards of research, verification, transparency, fairness, and public service.

Announcing the finalists on June 11, the IFCN described the Nigerian investigation as a report that exposed AI-assisted Ponzi schemes that caused direct financial harm to vulnerable audiences while revealing enforcement failures by major technology platforms.

“Some scams promised a 100 per cent return on investment in just 30 days. The research uncovered scam funnels, fake endorsements, platform gaps and real-world consequences,” the IFCN stated.

The investigation was produced by The ICIR in collaboration with FactCheckHub, an IFCN signatory, with support from the Pulitzer Center.

Conducted by fact-checker and investigative journalist Nurudeen Akewushola, the report examined how fraudsters are increasingly exploiting artificial intelligence to rebrand traditional Ponzi schemes and lure unsuspecting Nigerians with promises of automated wealth and AI-powered trading profits.

Using undercover reporting, open-source intelligence (OSINT), and digital forensic techniques, the investigation uncovered how operators behind platforms such as CBEX, Quantum AI, SquaredOptions, and Modmount Limited used AI-generated videos, deepfake endorsements, cloned voices, fabricated identities, and aggressive social media advertising to create false credibility.

The investigation also revealed that many of the platforms were not licensed by regulators and that scam advertisements continued to circulate on major social media platforms despite policies prohibiting deceptive financial promotions and manipulated media.

Following the publication, Meta removed several fraudulent pages, accounts, and advertisements identified in the report.

ICIR/FactCheckHub will compete for the Gold Standard award alongside investigations by ARIJ of Jordan and Faktisk.no of Norway.

ARIJ’s shortlisted investigation examined social media disinformation campaigns promoting climate change conspiracy theories and linked them to oil interests in Gulf countries. Similarly, Faktisk.no’s investigation uncovered a network of fake Facebook profiles, far-right actors, and pro-Russian accounts that manipulated public debate around school closures in Norway.

The winners of the 2026 Global Fact-Checking Awards will be announced during GlobalFact 2026, the IFCN’s annual conference, taking place in Vilnius, Lithuania, from June 17 to June 19.

The Global Fact-Checking Awards recognise outstanding factchecking and misinformation journalism from around the world, honouring work that advances accountability, verification, innovation, collaboration, and public trust.

Tarbell Center opens applications for journalism grants on AI reporting

Blessing OTOIBHI
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Tarbell Center opens applications for journalism grants on AI reporting

JOURNALISTS worldwide can now apply for funding from the Tarbell Center for AI Journalism, offering grants of $1,000 to $20,000 to support original reporting projects focused on artificial intelligence and its societal impacts.

The grants are open to both freelancers and staff journalists, with funding available for written journalism as well as other reporting formats.

The programme aims to strengthen independent journalism that scrutinises AI companies, explores the technology’s effects on society, and helps the public understand the rapid developments shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

For the current funding round, the Tarbell Center is seeking proposals in six key areas namely accountability reporting on frontier AI companies, AI policy and politics, AI explainers and analysis, AI use in governments and militaries, AI’s impact on labour and employment, and AI developments in China.

Applicants do not need to have an outlet secured before applying, although projects intended for established and influential publications are preferred. J

ournalists with investigative reporting experience are particularly encouraged to apply. A background in AI or technology reporting is desirable but not mandatory.

Applications for the current grant round close on July 12, 2026. The Tarbell Center says it aims to evaluate submissions within four weeks of the deadline.

Interested journalists can learn more and submit their applications here.

Lagos police nab 10 Cameroonians over alleged human trafficking, fraud

News Agency
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Lagos police nab 10 Cameroonians over alleged human trafficking, fraud

THE Lagos State Police Command has apprehended 10 members of a syndicate for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting victims of millions of naira.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the suspects allegedly lured fellow Cameroonians to Nigeria with promises of securing visas, work permits and residency documents for destinations such as Mauritius, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Victims were made to pay huge sums of money for the purported travel arrangements, which never materialised.

NAN further gathered that several of the suspects lacked valid passports and visas, raising questions about how they entered Nigeria.

The state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, directed that the case be transferred from the Egbeda Tactical Unit to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, for further investigation.

The investigation into the allegations of conspiracy, fraud and human trafficking is being handled by the Human Rights Unit of the SCID under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the department, Dayo Akinbisehin.

A police source told NAN on Wednesday that the syndicate, comprising five males and five females, operated under the guise of a networking business, but investigations suggest that their real ‘product’ was recruiting and exploiting people.

“The suspects allegedly used social media to deceive prospective victims by staging photographs and videos in luxurious environments, including airports, to create the false impression that members had successfully relocated abroad.

“Victims were coached on what to tell their families and friends in order to recruit more people into the scheme,” the source said.

One of the victims told NAN that she was lured by a friend who claimed to be living and working in Mauritius and paid 800,000 CFA francs (about N2 million) for travel documents and relocation.

She alleged that upon arriving in Lagos, she discovered that instead of processing her travel documents, she had been recruited into a networking scheme at a resident in Epe area of the state.

The victim further alleged that members’ phones and documents were confiscated, while they were taken to airports and tourist sites to take photographs and videos that falsely portrayed them as living abroad.

She said members were monitored while communicating with their families and coached on what to say to convince others to join the scheme.

According to her, she was denied a refund when she requested to return home and was asked to recruit another person before she could recover her money.

She added that her cousin was later convinced to pay another 800,000 CFA francs after being led to believe she had successfully relocated overseas.

Similarly, another victim said she paid about 1.5 million CFA francs, equivalent to about N3.5 million, for travel documents.

Upon arriving in Lagos, she discovered that instead of processing her travel documents, the suspects introduced her to the networking business and trained participants on strategies for recruiting more people.

The police source said the suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations. (NAN)

2026 UTME original result slips ready for printing, says JAMB

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2026 UTME original result slips ready for printing, says JAMB

THE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) Original Result Slip will be available for printing on Wednesday.

‎JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

Benjamin explained that the original result slip contained candidates’ photographs, national rankings and other security features designed to enhance its authenticity and acceptance for official purposes.

‎According to him, the document is among the official requirements for post-UTME screening and admission consideration by tertiary institutions.

‎He advised candidates to print the slip from any internet-enabled device or accredited business centre.

‎The spokesman also urged candidates to verify all details on the slip immediately after printing and keep a copy for future admission-related purposes.‎

The ICIR reports that a 16-year-old candidate, Owoeye Jesudunsin, emerged as the overall top scorer in the 2026 UTME, scoring 372 marks.

The result was in a list of top-performing candidates announced by JAMB during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions in Abuja in May.

Owoeye, who sat for the examination in Ogun State but hails from Ekiti State, chose the University of Lagos (University of Lagos) to study Medicine and Surgery (MBBS).

The ICIR reports that 2,243,816 candidates registered for the 2026 UTME, representing a 10.5 per cent increase when compared with those who registered to write the examination in 2025.

Lagos State recorded the highest number of registrations for the 2026 edition with 381,814 candidates, followed by Ogun (137,156), Oyo (122,662), Kaduna (103,498), and the Federal Capital Territory (102,961).

 

Outside Nigeria, candidates also registered from Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Burkina Faso, the United Kingdom, Ghana, Gambia, and South Africa, though in small numbers.

The 2026 UTME was conducted across about 966 Computer-Based Test centres nationwide, with examinations split into four daily sessions to ease congestion and improve monitoring.

 

Court sentences arms courier to death over ammunition supply to bandits

Mustapha USMAN
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Court sentences arms courier to death over ammunition supply to bandits

A Federal High Court in Katsina State has sentenced a female arms courier, Hauwa’u Mukhtar, to death by hanging after finding her guilty of conspiracy to commit terrorism, and aiding and abetting terrorist activities.

The conviction, described in the statement by the State Security Service, on Tuesday, June 16, as a major legal breakthrough, reportedly followed her arrest on September 16, 2023, at Jibia Motor Park in Katsina State, where she was allegedly intercepted by operatives of SSS while attempting to transport 438 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

She was said to be moving the ammunition to one Ado, described as a notorious bandit kingpin operating from Dunburum Forest in Zamfara State.

The statement further disclosed that the SSS filed a two-count charge against Mukhtar before High Court No. 3 in Katsina, presided over by A. B. Bawale.

Delivering the judgment, the court held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt after reviewing witness testimonies, exhibits tendered in evidence, and final addresses from both the prosecution and defence counsel.

The presiding judge consequently found the defendant guilty on both counts and sentenced her to death by hanging in accordance with the provisions of the Katsina State Penal Code Law, 2021.

The development comes just weeks after a Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced four men to death by hanging for their roles in the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which claimed more than 40 lives.

Recall that another suspect, Halima Umar, was earlier sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Abuja for unlawful possession of 302 rounds of AK-47 ammunition and attempting to support terrorist activities.

The ICIR reports that their conviction comes as the Nigeria government intensifies its fight against terrorism and banditry, following  recent surge in violent attacks, kidnappings, and arms trafficking across several parts of Nigeria.

In recent months, the country has witnessed series of coordinated attacks attributed to armed groups..

Oyo abduction: Makinde vows rescue as VDM leads protesters to Government House

Mustapha USMAN
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Oyo abduction: Makinde vows rescue as VDM leads protesters to Government House

OYO State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reassured residents that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in the state, insisting that the government is fully committed to bringing them home safely.

The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday, June 16, while addressing protesters, including social media activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, who gathered at the Government House in Ibadan to demand urgent action over the prolonged captivity of the victims.

Makinde said the abduction had personally affected him, noting that the victims, nursery and primary school pupils alongside their teachers, had now spent over a month in captivity.

He explained that while the government was working on the rescue operation, operational secrecy limited what could be disclosed publicly.

According to him, “Because of the nature of the security situation that is involved, I cannot divulge a lot of information.”

He added that the situation required a carefully coordinated response aimed at preventing further harm to the victims.

Makinde also said authorities were taking extraordinary measures, including engagement with the abductors, though he acknowledged the ethical and political weight of such negotiations.

He further assured residents and the protesters that the state’s priority remained the safe return of the victims, adding that lessons would be drawn from the incident to prevent a recurrence once the children are freed.

Meanwhile, The ICIR reports that tension has continued to build across Nigeria as protesters marked 32 days since the abduction occurred in the Oriire Local Government Area.

Demonstrators, led by VeryDarkMan, marched through major parts of Ibadan, chanting slogans demanding the neutralisation of armed groups responsible for repeated kidnappings.

Many of them reportedly carried placards calling for stronger security interventions and accountability from both state and federal authorities.

At the Iwo Road axis, the protest briefly intensified as VeryDarkMan addressed the crowd, warning that continued inaction could worsen insecurity nationwide. The march later proceeded to the Government House, where protesters reiterated their demands for the immediate rescue of the abducted students and teachers.

The demonstration later moved to the Governor’s Office at Agodi, where protesters demanded immediate rescue efforts and improved protection for schools.

The ICIR reports that similar solidarity actions had also been recorded in parts of the state in recent weeks. The protests followed the abduction of pupils and teachers in Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.in Oriire Local Government Area of the state on May 15.

Eyewitness accounts and earlier reports indicated that the attackers arrived shortly after 9 a.m. on motorcycles, some dressed in military-style uniforms, initially causing confusion among residents who mistook them for security personnel.

The assailants reportedly split into groups and simultaneously attacked the schools, firing shots to disperse pupils and staff before rounding up victims. Children were forced onto motorcycles, while others were taken in vehicles seized from the communities, with some abductees transported into nearby forest routes.

The incident later triggered widespread outrage across the country.

Denrele Edun marks 45th birthday with symbolic self-marriage

Esther Tomo
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Denrele Edun marks 45th birthday with symbolic self-marriage

NIGERIAN media personality and actor Denrele Edun has marked his 45th birthday in an unusual way by symbolically ‘marrying’ himself, a move he says represents self-love, personal growth and appreciation for his life journey.

The entertainer, known for his bold fashion choices and energetic presence in the entertainment industry, shared a video on X showing himself dressed in a white suit, complete with a veil and bouquet, as part of the birthday celebration.

Explaining the meaning behind the gesture, Denrele said the decision was inspired by his belief that he remains the most important person in his life after decades of overcoming different experiences.

“Till death didn’t do is part. So, I married myself. Ater 45 years of chaos, glitter, survival, reinvention, controversy, resilience, heartbreak & triumph.

“I remain the greatest love story I’ve ever known. Signed, The Bride. The Groom. The HappilyEverAfter. HAPPY 45TH BIRTHDAY,” he wrote.

In another message, the television star reflected on his life since birth and said the symbolic ceremony was dedicated to every stage of his personal and professional journey.

“On June 13, 1981, a star was born. On June 13, 2026, he finally married his magic. I, Denrele, I am the bride and the groom,” he said.

“I am marrying every version of myself that fought to get here. Today, I marry the only person who never left my side: ME!”

He further described the event as a celebration of his resilience and individuality.

“The bride escaped. The legend remained. For years, they discussed the mask. Today, they meet the miracle. The bride was me. The groom was me. The happily-ever-after was mine.”

The announcement quickly attracted attention online, with many sharing divergent views on the decision.

Born Adenrele Oluwafemi Edun, the media figure studied English Language at the University of Lagos. He began his career as a model before becoming a household name in the early 2000s through his work as a television presenter and red-carpet host on Soundcity.

Over the years, Denrele has remained one of the most recognisable personalities in Nigeria’s entertainment scene, earning a reputation for his distinctive style, fearless self-expression and vibrant character.

Gunmen attack NIPSS, kill two soldiers, police officer

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Gunmen attack NIPSS, kill two soldiers, police officer

GUNMEN attacked staff quarters of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, in the early hours of Tuesday, June 16, killing three security officers protecting the facility.

The Head of Public Affairs at NIPSS, Osime Samuel, confirmed the attack and death of three security officers. He did not give the details of the slain officers.

However, Daily Trust identified the officers as two soldiers and a police officer in a report.

Samuel stated that the situation had been brought under control through the swift intervention of security personnel and relevant agencies, adding that there was no immediate threat to participants, staff, residents or facilities of the institute.

“There is currently no threat to the safety of participants, staff, residents, or facilities of the Institute. Normal activities are continuing as scheduled,” he said.

“NIPSS is working closely with the appropriate authorities and will provide verified information as soon as it becomes available. We urge members of the public and the media to rely on official communications from the Institute and relevant security agencies,” he added.

He noted that the institute remained committed to the safety of its community and commended the professionalism of security personnel involved in the response.

However, sources told Daily Trust that the attackers appeared to have specifically targeted the residences of the Acting Director of Studies, Nima Salman-Mann, and another senior staff member, Haruna Dabin.

According to the sources, the two senior officials had received handwritten notes pasted on their doors on Saturday, demanding $100,000 and N15 million respectively, which were reportedly brought to the attention of the institute’s management before the attack.

The sources explained that while local vigilantes provide security during the day, soldiers and police personnel are stationed around the staff quarters at night, adding that the slain officers were killed during an exchange of gunfire with the assailants.

The attack on the nation’s premier policy and strategic think tank comes amid growing concerns over insecurity and the increasing vulnerability of public institutions and senior officials to violent attacks across the country.

 

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