Wednesday, July 29, 2026

DSS Denies Arresting Okey Ndibe

By
Laziz Olatunde
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The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied reports that renowned author and academic Professor Okey Ndibe was arrested or detained at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on June 1, 2026, clarifying that his interaction with operatives was part of an ongoing review process aimed at removing outdated names from the agency’s watchlist system.

In a statement issued on Monday, the DSS said claims of an arrest were inaccurate and stressed that the engagement with the professor was a routine administrative procedure connected to the review and possible removal of longstanding Watch-List Actions (WLAs).

“The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby clarifies that, it did not arrest or detain Prof Okey Ndibe at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on June 1, 2026 or any other place on that date for that matter,” the agency stated.

According to the DSS, the current Director-General ordered a comprehensive review of historical watchlist records upon assuming office, including entries dating back to the military era. The objective, the agency said, is to prevent citizens from experiencing unnecessary inconvenience or embarrassment as a result of outdated security alerts.

The security agency explained that individuals whose names appear on the watchlist are routinely invited for engagement as part of a process that could lead to the downgrading and eventual removal of such entries.

“In this regard, all those who had previously been watchlisted while on transit, are routinely interfaced with as a prerequisite for a review and possible downgrade of the Action. This, being a precursor to a final delisting in accordance with international best practices,” the DSS said.

The agency noted that the review process allows officials to verify that an individual’s current activities, travel history and engagements no longer align with the reasons that initially led to their inclusion on the watchlist.

The DSS further disclosed that several Nigerians, including journalists and civil society figures, have already benefited from the exercise under the current management.

As an example, the Service referenced the case of Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), whose watchlist status was reportedly removed in May 2025 after more than a decade.

“A case in point is that of Mr Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, IPC, whose delisting was approved in May 2025, after over a decade on the Watchlist,” the statement noted.

Providing specific details about Ndibe’s case, the DSS revealed that the professor had been on its watchlist since January 29, 2013. The agency, however, stated that his case had already undergone review and had been downgraded prior to the airport encounter.

“In the same vein, Prof Ndibe has been on Watchlist since January 29, 2013. Meanwhile, his case has been reviewed and downgraded. Thus, the interface with him at the airport, was geared towards the final delisting of his details from the Action,” the DSS said.

The agency maintained that the interaction lasted less than an hour and concluded with Ndibe being cleared and escorted.

“As part of the routine interface involved in the process, after barely an hour of his interaction with the Service, he was cleared and escorted,” the statement added.

The DSS also pointed to comments reportedly made by Ndibe himself regarding the conduct of the operatives involved.

“Note that, even on his Facebook post, he referenced the professional, courteous and decorous conduct of Service operatives, who continue to scale their respect for the rule of law and human rights under the new Leadership,” the agency stated.

Reaffirming its commitment to due process, the DSS said the watchlist review initiative would continue to ensure fairness and compliance with legal standards.

“The Service reiterates that this process will continue to ensure that all Nigerians are fairly treated, with due regard to the provisions of the Law,” it said.

The agency also encouraged individuals who believe they may still be affected by historical watchlist actions to formally contact its national headquarters to facilitate review, while stressing that the ongoing audit and cleanup of watchlist records would continue regardless of whether formal complaints are submitted.

The clarification comes amid public discussion surrounding reports of Ndibe’s airport encounter and highlights the broader effort by the security agency to review and modernise longstanding watchlist mechanisms inherited from previous administrations.

Tinubu Hails ₦128bn Mortgage Milestone as 1,859 Families Access Affordable Home Ownership Across Nigeria

By
Laziz Olatunde
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the growing impact of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), revealing that the initiative has provided ₦128 billion in affordable mortgage financing to 1,859 Nigerian families across 25 states as part of the administration’s efforts to expand access to home ownership under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President said the intervention is helping to address one of Nigeria’s longstanding housing challenges by making long-term mortgage financing available to ordinary citizens at affordable rates.

According to figures released on the programme, beneficiaries from different geopolitical zones have secured mortgages of up to 20 years at a fixed interest rate of 9.75 per cent per annum, with a minimum equity contribution of 10 per cent. The arrangement is designed to create a sustainable pathway to home ownership for Nigerians who have traditionally been excluded from the country’s mortgage market.

Commenting on the development, President Tinubu noted that limited access to affordable long-term housing finance has remained one of the biggest obstacles to home ownership in Nigeria for decades.

“For years, many Nigerians could afford monthly rent but could not access the type of financing required to purchase a home. That reality kept countless families out of home ownership and limited their ability to build lasting assets,” the President said.

He added that the early achievements of the fund demonstrate the importance of sound policies and effective partnerships in addressing the country’s housing deficit.

“The progress recorded by MREIF shows that with the right policies, strong institutions and effective partnerships, we can expand access to home ownership and create opportunities for more Nigerians to build wealth through asset ownership,” Tinubu stated.

Beyond the mortgages already granted, the government disclosed that the fund has generated ₦221 billion in total property value while supporting the delivery of 475 housing units through offtake guarantee projects.

Officials said the average age of mortgage beneficiaries is 42 years, a figure that reflects strong demand among working-class Nigerians seeking affordable housing finance options. The administration believes the trend underscores the need for continued expansion of mortgage products that can serve middle-income earners and other underserved groups.

President Tinubu explained that the mortgage programme forms part of a broader housing reform agenda being implemented by his administration. He noted that MREIF is working alongside other flagship initiatives, including the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme and interventions being executed through Family Homes Funds Limited.

According to the President, while housing construction remains important, access to affordable mortgage finance is essential for converting completed housing units into actual home ownership opportunities for Nigerians.

For decades, Nigeria has struggled to develop a robust mortgage system capable of delivering affordable, long-term housing finance at scale. To address this challenge, the government established MREIF as a ₦1 trillion housing finance platform aimed at mobilising long-term capital for mortgage lending through a combination of public sector support, institutional investment and private sector management.

The pilot phase of the initiative comprises ₦250 billion in concessionary and commercial funding and is expected to serve as the foundation for broader expansion in the country’s housing finance ecosystem.

Building on the programme’s early gains, the Federal Government expects additional capital mobilisation to support increased mortgage lending, encourage greater participation by institutional investors and expand access to affordable housing finance across the country.

MREIF is sponsored by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated and managed by ARM Investment Managers Limited. The fund’s Series 2 commercial issuance has received an AAA rating from Agusto & Co. and an AA rating from GCR Ratings, signalling strong market confidence in its governance structure, financial framework and long-term sustainability.

The latest figures are expected to bolster the administration’s argument that targeted housing finance reforms can play a critical role in reducing Nigeria’s housing deficit while helping families build long-term wealth through property ownership.

INEC Probes Alleged Voter Database Leak, Says No Hacking Detected as DSS Launches Independent Investigation

By
Kazeem Busari
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INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced an investigation into allegations of unauthorised access to its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database following the circulation of voter information linked to a candidate who participated in a recent political party primary election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the electoral umpire said it was taking the allegations seriously and had already begun a comprehensive probe to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to the Commission, preliminary findings from its audit trail indicate that there was no external breach of its database infrastructure and no evidence that hackers gained access to its systems. Instead, the information was allegedly accessed using legitimate credentials assigned to personnel involved in the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

“The Commission takes this allegation seriously and has immediately commenced a thorough investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident,” INEC said in the statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC).

INEC explained that as part of the ongoing CVR exercise, authorised registration officers were granted controlled access to specific components of the registration system to facilitate the enrolment of new voters, process transfer requests and update voter records where necessary.

The Commission stressed that such access is strictly limited to official duties and is withdrawn once the registration exercise concludes.

Providing an update on the probe, INEC disclosed that its preliminary audit trail had enabled investigators to identify the user account through which the information was accessed.

“The audit trail from the preliminary investigation has enabled the Commission to identify the user account through which the information was accessed. Accordingly, relevant personnel have been questioned, and all units connected with the incident are cooperating fully with the investigation,” the statement read.

INEC further revealed that investigators are examining the technical, administrative and operational dimensions of the incident to determine how the information was retrieved and released, identify any violations of internal access-control protocols and establish individual responsibility.

While concerns have been raised about the security of voter data, the Commission sought to reassure Nigerians that the incident did not amount to a compromise of its broader voter registration infrastructure.

“Preliminary findings from the Commission’s audit trail so far, however, indicate that there was no external breach of the CVR database, no hacking incident, and no unauthorised external access to the Commission’s ICT infrastructure. Rather, the information in question was accessed through valid user credentials assigned to personnel participating in the ongoing CVR exercise but released without authority,” INEC stated.

The Commission emphasized that the matter under investigation relates only to the retrieval of a specific voter record and does not suggest any wider exposure of personal data belonging to the country’s registered voters.

“The incident under investigation relates to the retrieval of a specific voter record and does not indicate any compromise of the Commission’s broader voter registration infrastructure or the personal data of over 90 million registered voters,” the statement added.

INEC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding voter information and maintaining confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.

“The Commission wishes to state categorically that it takes the security, confidentiality and integrity of voter data with the utmost seriousness and remains committed to transparency, institutional integrity, and the protection of voters’ personal information,” it said.

In a significant development, the Commission disclosed that the Department of State Services (DSS) has independently launched its own investigation into the matter.

“Furthermore, the Department of State Services (DSS), on its own accord, has commenced an independent investigation into the matter. The Commission will continue to cooperate fully with all relevant security agencies and will not hesitate to refer any person found culpable for appropriate legal action,” INEC said.

The electoral body subsequently urged Nigerians and media organisations to refrain from speculation while investigations are ongoing, assuring the public that it would disclose its final findings and any disciplinary or legal measures arising from the probe.

The incident comes at a politically sensitive period as parties continue preparations for the 2027 general elections, placing renewed focus on data security, electoral integrity and the protection of voter information within Nigeria’s electoral system.

Stephen Curry Signs Landmark Long-Term Deal With Li-Ning After Under Armour Exit

By
Agency Report
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Stephen Curry

NBA superstar Stephen Curry has secured a new long-term shoe and apparel partnership with Chinese sportswear giant Li-Ning, marking a major new chapter in the business career of one of basketball’s most influential global figures.

The announcement was made on Monday through Curry Brand, which said the partnership is designed to expand the four-time NBA champion’s global presence across basketball, golf and lifestyle markets while helping to inspire future generations of athletes.

Under the agreement, Curry and Li-Ning will collaborate on brand development, product innovation and sports culture initiatives aimed at strengthening their reach in international markets. The partnership is also expected to play a significant role in expanding Curry’s influence beyond the basketball court and into broader lifestyle and performance sectors.

Describing the deal as a milestone in his career, Curry expressed excitement about the opportunities ahead.

“This is the partnership of a lifetime,” the Golden State Warriors star said following the announcement.

The agreement brings an end to months of speculation surrounding Curry’s footwear future after his departure from Under Armour in November 2025. The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player had spent more than a decade with the American sportswear company and was widely credited with helping transform its basketball division into a global force.

Following his split from Under Armour, Curry became one of the most closely watched figures in the sneaker industry. Throughout the remainder of the NBA season, the 38-year-old guard regularly appeared in different shoe models as he evaluated potential partnerships.

His footwear choices quickly became a talking point among fans and industry observers, with Curry often arriving at games with a large collection of sneakers stored in a crate near his locker at the Chase Center.

Among the shoes that attracted particular attention were signature models from former NBA champion Dwyane Wade and Golden State teammate Jimmy Butler, both of whom have existing relationships with Li-Ning. Curry wore their sneakers on several occasions during what many analysts described as an informal sneaker free-agency period.

The move represents a significant victory for Li-Ning as the company continues to expand its presence in the global sportswear market. By securing one of basketball’s most recognizable athletes, the brand gains a powerful ambassador whose influence extends well beyond the NBA.

Curry remains one of the sport’s most marketable figures, with a worldwide fan base built on his revolutionary shooting ability, championship success and growing business portfolio. His new partnership is expected to include signature footwear, apparel collections and collaborative projects designed to engage athletes and consumers across multiple continents.

The announcement also reflects the increasing globalization of the sportswear industry, where leading athletes are forging partnerships that transcend traditional endorsement deals and focus on long-term brand-building opportunities.

For Curry, the agreement opens another significant chapter in a career that has already transformed the game of basketball and reshaped the sneaker business. For Li-Ning, it represents one of the most high-profile athlete signings in the company’s history and a major statement of intent in the increasingly competitive global sportswear marketplace.

As the partnership begins, basketball fans and sneaker enthusiasts alike will be watching closely to see what products emerge from a collaboration that both sides believe can redefine their global reach and cultural impact.

AP

Ghana Coach Queiroz Defends Partey’s World Cup Selection Despite Pending Rape Trial

By
Agency Report
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Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has defended his decision to include Thomas Partey in the Black Stars’ squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that the former Arsenal midfielder is entitled to the presumption of innocence while awaiting trial in England on multiple rape charges.

Speaking ahead of Ghana’s international friendly against Wales in Cardiff on Tuesday, Queiroz said his decision was based on a fundamental principle of justice and criticized what he described as a tendency by social media and sections of the media to pass judgment before legal processes are concluded.

Partey, 32, now plays for Spanish club Villarreal and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The allegations relate to incidents said to have occurred during his time at Arsenal between 2020 and 2025. His trial is expected to begin in London in November or later.

Ghana’s Thomas Partey

Addressing questions about the midfielder’s inclusion in Ghana’s World Cup squad, Queiroz called for patience and respect for due process.

“Let events run its normal course, let the river flow and one day when the river meets the ocean we will find the truth,” the veteran Portuguese coach said.

Queiroz, who is preparing for his fifth consecutive World Cup appearance as a head coach after previous stints with Portugal and Iran, argued that modern public discourse often condemns individuals before they have the opportunity to defend themselves.

“Today, and this is not only about Thomas, very unfortunately the way social media, and the media sometimes, act with full and total impunity we are condemned even before we have the opportunity to defend ourselves,” he said.

The Ghana coach declined to elaborate further on the legal case but made it clear that Partey’s presence in the squad reflected his confidence in the player’s eligibility to represent the country.

“If the player is here with me, my answer is clear, so I don’t have to make comments about my own decisions,” Queiroz added.

The issue has drawn renewed attention ahead of the World Cup, where Partey is expected to play a central role in Ghana’s midfield. He is not the only World Cup participant currently facing legal proceedings. Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi is also awaiting trial in Paris on similar allegations.

Queiroz suggested that broader global issues deserved greater attention than matters beyond the control of football coaches.

“There are much more serious problems, urgent issues in the world to talk about,” he said.

The 73-year-old manager, who took charge of Ghana in April, acknowledged the challenges public figures face in an era dominated by social media scrutiny.

“Unfortunately, as I said, today it is really difficult to deal with everything that is on top of us,” he remarked.

Drawing on his previous World Cup experiences, including his time managing Iran during the politically sensitive 2022 tournament in Qatar, Queiroz stressed the importance of shielding his players from distractions.

“The key point for me in my professional life in football it is to keep everything that is poison or dust far away from the four lines,” he said.

Ghana heads into the World Cup with high hopes as it prepares for its fifth appearance at the tournament in the last six editions. The Black Stars’ squad is led by Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo and will face a challenging group-stage campaign.

The West Africans begin their Group L campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17 before taking on England in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Their final group match will be against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

Under the tournament’s expanded format, the top two teams in each group will qualify automatically for the round of 32, while some third-placed teams could also progress to the knockout stages.

Ghana’s World Cup history includes one of the most dramatic moments in African football. At the 2010 tournament in South Africa, the Black Stars came within moments of becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal before a goal-line handball by Luis Suárez denied them victory. Ghana subsequently missed the resulting penalty and lost in a penalty shootout to Uruguay.

As the countdown to the World Cup continues, attention will remain focused both on Ghana’s ambitions on the pitch and the debate surrounding one of its most high-profile players off it.

AP

Femi Azeez Living the Dream After Debut Heroics and Unity Cup Success

By
Kazeem Busari
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Femi Azeez celebrates his goals. Photo: X | Femi Azeez

Millwall forward Femi Azeez announced his arrival on the international stage in spectacular fashion, scoring a brace on his Super Eagles debut as Nigeria defeated Zimbabwe 2-0 in the semi-final of the 2026 Unity Cup at The Valley in London.

The 24-year-old, handed his first senior cap under coach Éric Chelle, struck early with a clinical low finish before adding a second in the second half, powering the Super Eagles into the final of the tournament. His performance made him the first player this millennium to score twice on his Nigeria debut.

Azeez later reflected on the milestone in a social media post: “Really proud to score a brace on my

debut and finish the camp winning the Unity Cup! Honoured to represent this country and thank you to everyone for the support.”

Nigeria went on to retain the Unity Cup title with a commanding 3-0 victory over Jamaica in the final, securing a record fourth triumph in the competition. Azeez contributed an assist for one of the goals as the Super Eagles dominated the revived tournament, which celebrates London’s Nigerian diaspora communities.

Speaking after his debut performance against Zimbabwe, Azeez described the experience as a huge honour and admitted he was still processing the moment. “I didn’t know that,” he said upon learning of the historical significance of his brace. He also highlighted the attacking freedom provided by the coach: “It was the excitement, comfort, and expression. The coach gave us the freedom in the final third to do what we want and express ourselves. That’s why we’re here.”

The England-born Nigerian added in another interview that it was simply an honour to play for his country. “You know it’s just an honor to play for Nigeria so I thought you know let me show what we can do and you know I was relaxed for the game and yeah and I was lucky enough to get two goals.”

Azeez’s impressive showings have already sparked transfer interest from Premier League clubs, with the ambitious forward openly targeting a move to the top flight. “The Premier League is obviously the pinnacle of football. I’d love to play in the Premier League. So obviously, working hard, I’m going to do whatever I can to get there.”

The Unity Cup served as an important audition platform for emerging talents under Chelle, blending home-based players with those from Europe. Azeez’s standout contribution has boosted expectations ahead of upcoming World Cup and AFCON qualifiers.

Serena Williams, 44, Eyes Sensational Comeback to Pro Tennis 

By
Agency Report
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Serena Williams

Serena Williams is on the verge of a dramatic return to professional tennis at age 44, nearly four years after her emotional farewell at the 2022 U.S. Open. Reports indicate the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion has requested a doubles wildcard for the upcoming WTA 500 HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club in London, set to begin on June 8 as a key grass-court tune-up for Wimbledon.

According to reporting from Jon Wertheim on the “Served” podcast hosted by Andy Roddick, Williams is slated to partner with rising Canadian star Victoria Mboko, the 19-year-old world No. 9. Williams has been back in the anti-doping testing pool for six months, making her eligible to compete since February 2026. She has been training under the radar in Florida, including sessions captured on video with WTA player Alycia Parks earlier this year.

The tennis world has been buzzing with speculation since the news broke late last week. Williams has not yet issued an official confirmation or statement on her participation, but the wildcard request signals serious intent. Queen’s Club organizers have not publicly commented as of the latest reports.

Mboko, speaking to reporters at the French Open, addressed the rumors without confirming details while expressing admiration for the legend. “Me and Serena have stayed in touch which is really really nice because I really look up to her and I mean the fact that she even knows me is very exciting,” Mboko said. “I feel like if she’s ready to come back on her own terms then I feel like it’s up to her to announce that, but other than that, I don’t really have much to say. I think the moment is all up to her, and when she’s ready to come back.”

Roddick, a longtime friend of Williams, highlighted the significance of her re-entering the testing pool. “As soon as you re-enter the doping protocol, which happened six or eight months ago, you do that because you want the option of coming back,” he noted on the podcast. He suggested the grass surface could offer Williams her best opportunity, pointing to her unparalleled history on it—including seven Wimbledon singles titles.

Roddick further speculated that Williams’ ambitions may extend beyond doubles. “I think she is going to play singles… I just don’t see, at this point in her life, 40s, coming back — how many shots in the basket are you going to have on your best surface, in singles, again, if that is your intent. I don’t think she can skip singles at Wimbledon. I think if you’re going to come back, you gotta go.”

Williams last competed competitively at the 2022 U.S. Open, where she fell in the third round to Ajla Tomljanovic in what many viewed as her retirement match, though she stopped short of using that word. In the years since, she has focused on family—raising daughters Olympia and Adira—building her business empire through Serena Ventures, and other ventures, while maintaining a high public profile.

Fellow players have reacted positively to the prospect of her return. Naomi Osaka, who recently caught up with Williams at the Met Gala, said it would be “cool to see her on the grounds again” and bring more eyes to the sport. Madison Keys added, “Serena Williams playing tennis is only good for tennis… You get to watch history every single time she takes the court.”

Babachir Lawal Dumps ADC, Launches Scathing Attack on Atiku

By
Laziz Olatunde
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Babachir David Lawal

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, has announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleging widespread irregularities in the party’s recently concluded primaries and launching a blistering attack on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In a strongly worded statement titled “The Kachalla Series Part 1,” Lawal accused the party leadership of conducting what he described as a heavily manipulated primary process designed to favour Atiku, whom he repeatedly referred to as “Kachalla Atiku.”

According to Lawal, the primaries were marred by alleged rigging at multiple levels, with results purportedly altered to benefit candidates loyal to the former vice president.

“I am exiting the ADC because its just concluded primaries were at all levels massively rigged in favour of Kachalla Abubakar Atiku,” Lawal said.

The former SGF claimed there was a “conspiracy of silence” within the party regarding the conduct of the exercise and expressed disappointment that many members appeared willing to accept the outcome.

“Results were just written or rewritten to favour him and his coven. Even where they allowed some semblance of election to hold, the winners were simply replaced with members of his syndicate. In the real sense it was a disgraceful charade,” he stated.

Lawal said his decision to leave the party was informed by what he described as a refusal to be associated with any alleged electoral manipulation ahead of the 2027 general election.

“I am doing so because I do not intend to be part of Kachalla Atiku’s rigging machine in the 2027 general elections and I cannot avoid doing so if I remain in the party,” he said.

The former presidential adviser also accused Atiku and his associates of pursuing what he described as ethnic and religious domination, alleging that such tendencies would be detrimental to Nigeria’s future if allowed to shape national leadership.

In one of the most controversial sections of his statement, Lawal suggested that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, despite his criticisms of the current administration, could ultimately perform better as president than Atiku.

“I believe Tinubu might, comparatively speaking, end up a better Nigerian president than Kachalla Atiku could ever be,” he wrote.

Lawal argued that the prospect of an Atiku presidency raised concerns for him about governance, succession politics and the management of public resources. He also criticised what he described as the former vice president’s political and business record.

The ex-SGF further expressed disappointment with northern political actors whom he accused of backing Atiku’s emergence despite the region’s economic and security challenges.

“I would have thought that when Northerners insist on a northern president they would be thinking of one that will stop the downward spiral into poverty and insecurity, not an ineptocrat like Kachalla Atiku,” he said.

Continuing his criticism, Lawal described Atiku as an “incompetent octogenarian” and alleged that the ADC primary process reflected a broader failure of leadership within the party.

He also predicted that the opposition coalition would struggle against the political machinery of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu in the 2027 election cycle.

“While I will be tweaking my plans for the future and consulting with like-minded colleagues on how to stop this incompetent octogenarian from coming close to the presidential office, I will in the meantime retire to my village farm from where I will be watching Kachalla Atiku and his band of wicked vote riggers and result manipulators mercilessly out-rigged and beaten to pulp by Tinubu’s ruthless and superior rigging machine,” Lawal stated.

The former SGF’s resignation adds a fresh layer of controversy to the opposition political landscape ahead of the 2027 general election, with tensions already rising over party alignments, candidate selection processes and coalition-building efforts.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Atiku Abubakar nor the ADC leadership had publicly responded to Lawal’s allegations regarding the conduct of the primaries or his criticisms of the party’s internal processes.

The development is expected to intensify debate within opposition circles, particularly as parties continue to position themselves for what is anticipated to be a fiercely contested presidential race in 2027.

Kwankwaso Denies NDC Protest Plans, Demands Urgent Rescue of Abducted Oyo Students, Teachers

By
Kazeem Busari
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Rabiu Kwankwaso

Vice Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that the party is planning a nationwide protest over the worsening security situation in the country.

In a statement issued on behalf of the party, the former Kano State governor described the claims as false and urged Nigerians to disregard the message, insisting that the NDC remains committed to democratic engagement and peaceful political participation.

“Our attention has been drawn to a message currently circulating on social media falsely claiming that we are planning a protest over the rising insecurity in the country,” Kwankwaso said.

He stressed that neither he nor the party supports actions that could threaten public peace or result in the destruction of lives and property.

“We do not support any action that could lead to the breakdown of public order or the destruction of lives and property. As responsible leaders, we remain committed to peaceful and constructive approaches in addressing national challenges,” he stated.

Kwankwaso reaffirmed the party’s belief in democratic processes as the legitimate avenue for expressing dissatisfaction and seeking political change.

“As committed democrats, we firmly believe that the ballot box remains the most legitimate and effective way to express grievances and seek change,” he said.

Expressing confidence ahead of the next general election, the NDC vice presidential candidate declared that the party remains optimistic about its electoral prospects.

“Our party, the NDC, is confident of securing a resounding victory in the upcoming elections through peaceful democratic means,” Kwankwaso added.

He subsequently called on members of the public to ignore individuals spreading what he described as false information regarding the party’s activities.

“The general public is therefore advised to disregard the false message and ignore those peddling such disinformation,” the statement concluded.

The clarification comes amid heightened public concern over insecurity across several parts of the country, with renewed attention on incidents of kidnapping and violent crime.

In a separate statement posted hours later, Kwankwaso expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of students and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The former governor lamented the prolonged ordeal of the victims, noting that many had remained in captivity through important family celebrations and festive periods.

“I am deeply disturbed by the ongoing plight of the abducted students and teachers, kidnapped from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State,” he said.

“Like many other victims still in captivity, they have endured prolonged hardship, missing precious moments including the recent festivities with their families and loved ones.”

Kwankwaso urged security agencies and relevant authorities to prioritise the rescue of the victims and take stronger measures to prevent future occurrences.

“It is imperative that the government treats their rescue as a matter of urgent priority, while taking decisive steps to prevent such incidents from recurring,” he stated.

The NDC chieftain further called for a more determined national response to the country’s security challenges, insisting that the protection of lives must remain at the centre of governance.

“Nigeria must break free from the chains of insecurity. The dignity and sanctity of every human life must be protected,” he said.

Kwankwaso’s comments add to growing calls from political leaders, civil society groups and concerned citizens for stronger action to tackle kidnapping, banditry and other security threats that continue to affect communities across the country.

As debate over the nation’s security situation intensifies ahead of the 2027 elections, the NDC leadership has sought to position itself as an advocate of peaceful democratic engagement while pressing for urgent measures to protect citizens and secure the release of those still being held captive.

NDLEA Seizes Drugs Hidden in Water Purifiers from Netherlands, Recovers 1.2 Tonnes of Skunk in Nationwide Raids

By
Justice Oladapo
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Photo: NDLEA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded a series of major breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking networks across the country, uncovering consignments of hard drugs concealed in imported water purifier machines and intercepting over 1.2 tonnes of cannabis in separate operations.

The anti-narcotics agency disclosed that operatives attached to its Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) uncovered consignments of high-potency illicit drugs hidden inside water purifier machines shipped from the Netherlands to Lagos.

According to the agency, the drugs were intercepted at a courier company in Lagos on May 26 following a detailed examination of the imported equipment. Recovered during the operation were three kilograms of ketamine and 199 grams of MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy, which had been carefully concealed within the machines in an apparent attempt to evade detection.

Photo: NDLEA

The latest seizure is part of intensified efforts by the NDLEA to dismantle international drug trafficking routes and prevent the influx of dangerous narcotics into Nigeria.

In Kaduna State, operatives recorded another significant success with the arrest of a couple, Musa Sunday and Mercy Sunday, alongside a third suspect, Salomi Ezekiel, 38. The arrests followed the discovery of 100 jumbo bags of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis, at a residence in the Gonin Gora area of the state.

The recovered drugs weighed a total of 1,246 kilograms, making it one of the largest cannabis seizures recorded by the command in recent months.

On the same day, NDLEA officers conducting patrol operations along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway near Jere intercepted a 30-year-old suspect identified as Sunusi Musa. A search led to the recovery of 380 rounds of military-grade 7.62mm ammunition reportedly being transported to Katsina State.

The agency said the suspect and the recovered ammunition were subsequently handed over to the appropriate security agency for further investigation and prosecution.

In Niger State, operatives acting on intelligence raided a warehouse located in Gidan Kukah, Bosso Local Government Area, where they recovered 457 kilograms of skunk. The operation, conducted on May 27, led to the arrest of 46-year-old Godwin Zakka at his residence in Gbeganu, Minna, in connection with the seizure.

The NDLEA said the operation was based on credible intelligence gathered on the activities of suspected drug traffickers operating within the area.

Meanwhile, in Enugu State, operatives on patrol along the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway intercepted a commercial vehicle travelling to Taraba State. A search of the vehicle uncovered a large cache of controlled pharmaceutical substances.

Recovered from the bus were 22,000 pills of tramadol, 100 ampoules of pentazocine and 200 grams of bromazepam. The agency confirmed the arrest of a suspect, James Maigari Wisdom, in connection with the illicit consignment.

Beyond enforcement operations, the NDLEA said its nationwide War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign continued across schools, communities, workplaces and religious institutions as part of efforts to curb drug abuse through public education and awareness.

During the past week, WADA sensitisation programmes were conducted at Government Secondary School, Adiabo, in Cross River State; St Patrick’s Memorial College, Wukari, in Taraba State; Roman Catholic Mission Nursery and Primary School, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State; and Kings Secondary School, Amawbia, in Anambra State, among other locations.

Commenting on the operations, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended officers and personnel of the Kaduna, Niger and Enugu Commands, as well as operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, for their efforts in disrupting drug supply chains across the country.

Marwa also praised the commands for maintaining a balance between enforcement actions and drug abuse prevention initiatives through the WADA campaign. He urged officers nationwide to sustain the momentum and remain committed to the agency’s mandate of reducing both the supply and demand for illicit drugs.

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