Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Makinde Seeks UN Probe into Oyo School Abduction, Demands Full Accountability

By
Laziz Olatunde
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Gov. Seyi Makinde

IBADAN — Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called on the United Nations and other international human rights and accountability bodies to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers from Ahoro Esinle School in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that the circumstances surrounding the incident require scrutiny beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.

Makinde made the appeal on Monday during the reception of the rescued pupils and teachers at the Oyo State Secretariat in Ibadan after they were formally handed over to the state government by the Federal Government.

The governor said the nature of the kidnapping and the events surrounding the victims’ eventual rescue raised questions that deserved independent international examination to establish the facts and ensure accountability.

Rescued Oyo abductees

“The circumstances surrounding this incident are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institution,” Makinde said.

“I therefore, with a full sense of responsibility as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, call on the appropriate international human rights and accountability mechanisms, including those within the United Nations system, to closely examine the facts surrounding this abduction and the circumstances of its resolution.”

He stressed that his call for international scrutiny should not be interpreted as an attempt to undermine Nigerian institutions but rather as a step towards strengthening public confidence in the justice system.

“Such scrutiny is not intended to undermine our institution. Rather, it is intended to reinforce public confidence that the truth will be established and that every person found to bear responsibility, regardless of office, influence or affiliation, will be held accountable,” the governor stated.

Makinde also reminded the Federal Government that responsibility for safeguarding lives and property rests squarely with the federal authorities under Nigeria’s Constitution.

“Under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the primary responsibility for national security rests with the Federal Government and the security agencies under its command,” he said.

According to the governor, Nigerians deserve a comprehensive account of the abduction, including the identities of those responsible, whether there were institutional lapses or collusion, and the measures being put in place to prevent similar incidents.

“The Nigerian people, therefore, deserve a full and transparent account of what happened, who was responsible, whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion at any level, and what measures must now be taken to ensure that no community is ever subjected to such an ordeal again,” he added.

Makinde dismissed suggestions that his position was politically motivated, insisting that the priority remained justice for the victims and restoring confidence in public safety.

“This is not about politics. It is about justice for the victims, reassurance for our people, and restoring public confidence that every Nigerian child can go to school without fear,” he said.

The rescued pupils and teachers arrived at the Oyo State Secretariat on Monday after being handed over by the Federal Government, days after security agencies secured their freedom.

The victims were abducted by armed men from Ahoro Esinle School in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, and spent more than 50 days in captivity before regaining their freedom.

Following the announcement of their rescue by the Federal Government on Friday, the victims were admitted to the Military Hospital in Ibadan, where they received medical care and psychosocial support.

Governor Makinde had visited the rescued pupils and teachers at the hospital on Saturday, while parents and relatives expressed relief over their release and looked forward to reuniting with their children.

 

Sam Neill, Iconic ‘Jurassic Park’ Star, Dies Suddenly at 78

By
Justice Oladapo
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Sam Neill in a scene in Jurassic Park
New Zealand actor Sam Neill, beloved worldwide for his portrayal of Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise and acclaimed performances in films such as The Piano, has died at the age of 78.Neill passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Sydney, Australia, surrounded by family. His family described the loss as “sudden and unexpected” in a statement shared on his official social media.

“It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney Australia,” the statement read. “Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life. The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free.”

The family expressed gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their care and requested privacy as they grieve.
Neill had been open about his 2022 diagnosis with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare blood cancer. He underwent treatment, including chemotherapy and later CAR T-cell therapy, and had been cancer-free in recent months.
Tributes have begun pouring in from colleagues and fans across the globe, remembering Neill’s versatile career spanning blockbusters, art-house dramas, and New Zealand productions. Further details about memorials or funeral arrangements are expected to be shared by the family in due course.

Appeal Court Bars INEC From Recognising Mark-Led ADC Congresses, Slams N10m Costs

By
Laziz Olatunde
-

ABUJA — The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld a Federal High Court judgment restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in any state congresses conducted by committees appointed by the caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) headed by former Senate President David Mark.

In a split decision delivered by a three-member panel, the appellate court affirmed the lower court’s ruling that only duly elected state executive committees of the party have the constitutional authority to organise state congresses.

The majority judgment, delivered by Justice Okon Abang and supported by Justice Donatus Okorowo, dismissed the appeal filed by the ADC, holding that there was no basis to overturn the restraining orders issued by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court on April 29.

The Court of Appeal consequently upheld the order restraining INEC from recognising the outcome of any state congresses organised by committees constituted by the David Mark-led caretaker leadership.

It also affirmed the lower court’s decision preventing the caretaker executives from interfering with the tenure and constitutional functions of the party’s elected state executive committees.

Justice Abang held that the responsibility for conducting state congresses lies with duly elected state party structures and not with the national caretaker leadership.

The appellate court further ruled that the congresses and the party’s national convention organised by the caretaker leadership were invalid because they were conducted in defiance of an existing court order issued on April 14.

According to the court, judicial intervention was necessary to safeguard constitutional order within the party.

“Once a complaint before the court is anchored on a constitutional infraction, the shield of internal affairs drops and the veil is lifted for judicial intervention,” Justice Abang stated in the lead judgment.

He added that the court had a duty to intervene to “prevent anarchy and ensure the survival of democracy in Nigeria.”

However, the decision was not unanimous.

In a dissenting judgment, the presiding Justice of the panel, Justice Abba Mohammed, held that the dispute related to the internal affairs of a political party and was therefore not justiciable.

Justice Mohammed ruled that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter, maintaining that the trial court ought not to have assumed jurisdiction over the dispute.

The case originated from a suit filed by aggrieved members of the ADC, including Don Norman Obinna, Johnny Tovie Derek, Obah C. Ehigiator, Olona Yinka, Charles Idowu Omideji, Samuel Pam Gyang and Obianyo Patrick, who instituted the action on behalf of themselves and all state chairmen and members of the party’s state executive committees.

The plaintiffs challenged the decision of the David Mark-led caretaker committee to constitute committees for the conduct of state congresses, arguing that the move violated the party’s constitution.

They contended that only duly elected organs recognised under the ADC Constitution possess the authority to organise state congresses and that the planned congresses under the caretaker leadership were unconstitutional.

In her earlier judgment, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik agreed with the plaintiffs, holding that the tenure of the ADC’s State Working Committees and State Executive Committees remained valid until properly constituted congresses and a national convention are conducted.

The trial court ruled that neither the 1999 Constitution nor the Constitution of the ADC empowered the caretaker National Working Committee led by David Mark to appoint committees to conduct state congresses.

Justice Abdulmalik also held that although courts generally refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of political parties, they are empowered to intervene where constitutional or statutory violations are alleged.

She further dismissed preliminary objections challenging the competence of the suit, holding that the case involved the constitutional responsibilities of INEC and therefore fell within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court under Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution.

The court also rejected the defendants’ argument that the plaintiffs failed to exhaust the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms before approaching the court, holding that they had the requisite legal standing to institute the action.

In its final decision, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal marked CA/ABJ/CV/608/2026 and awarded ₦10 million in costs against the African Democratic Congress.

 

Oyo Police Arrest Armed Suspect, Recover Gun, Drugs as Joint Security Team Hunts Abductors of Missing Farmer

By
Kazeem Busari
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The Oyo State Police Command has recorded another operational success in its campaign against violent crime with the arrest of a suspected armed criminal and the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, live ammunition and suspected illicit drugs, even as it intensified efforts to rescue a farmer abducted in Oke-Ogun area of the state.

The Command disclosed that the arrest was made during an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation carried out by operatives attached to the Bodija Housing Police Division on the night of July 11, 2026.

According to the police, officers intercepted three men riding a Bajaj motorcycle with registration number DTN 678 QA along Oshuntokun Avenue in Bodija, Ibadan, at about 9:30 p.m.

During the search, one of the suspects allegedly threw a small bag into a nearby drainage, while two others fled the scene on the motorcycle.

The third suspect, identified as Hammed Lateef, was arrested by the operatives.

A search of the discarded bag led to the recovery of one locally fabricated pistol, one live cartridge, sachets containing substances suspected to be Tramadol, and a passport photograph believed to belong to one of the fleeing suspects.

The Police Command said investigations are ongoing, while efforts have been intensified to identify, trace and arrest the two suspects who escaped.

Reacting to the operation, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to proactive and intelligence-driven policing across the state.

He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of preventing crime and aiding ongoing investigations.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has launched a large-scale joint security operation following the abduction of a farmer, Mr. Owoade Mathew, in the Igbojaye area of the state.

According to the Command, preliminary investigations revealed that a distress report was received from the Officer-in-Charge of the Igbojaye Police Outpost at about 9:50 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, indicating that the victim had gone to his farm along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare Farm Road at about 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, but failed to return home.

Police said family members who organised a search party later recovered his Bajaj motorcycle at the farm in the early hours of Sunday.

Shortly afterwards, the victim’s mobile phone was reportedly used to contact his family, with the caller informing them that the farmer had been abducted, prompting an immediate report to the police.

The Command also dismissed reports suggesting that the victim was kidnapped within the premises of a school, describing such claims as inaccurate.

According to the police, investigations confirmed that the abduction occurred on the victim’s farm and not at any educational institution.

The Command urged members of the public to disregard misleading reports and rely only on official information released through its communication channels.

Following the report, Commissioner of Police Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga ordered the immediate deployment of a coordinated joint rescue team comprising police operatives, personnel of the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters to the affected area.

The joint security team has since commenced an intensive combing operation in the surrounding forests in a bid to locate and rescue the victim.

The Command disclosed that the operation has been reinforced with personnel from its Anti-Kidnapping Squad and other tactical units working alongside other security stakeholders to ensure the safe rescue of the farmer and the arrest of those responsible for the abduction.

The Commissioner assured residents that the Oyo State Police Command remains determined to eliminate kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

 

Ogun Police Arrest 43 in Major Crackdown, Prosecutions Hit 76

By
Kazeem Busari
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The Ogun State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on criminal elements under Operation KOSAYE, arresting 43 suspects during a late-night raid on a notorious criminal hideout in Isheri-Olofin, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, as the total number of suspects prosecuted under the operation climbed to 76.

The operation, carried out by operatives of the Command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, also led to the recovery of suspected hard drugs, mobile phones and other items believed to be linked to criminal activities.

According to the police, the raid was conducted at about 11:00 p.m. on July 7, 2026, following credible intelligence indicating that the location, situated opposite the Kara Cattle Market, had become a notorious base for criminal gangs involved in cultism, drug abuse, prostitution and other unlawful activities.

Acting on the intelligence, the Commander of the SWAT Unit, CSP Murphy, deployed tactical operatives to the scene, resulting in the arrest of 28 men and 15 women.

A search of the premises led to the recovery of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, “Loud” and other hard drugs. Officers also recovered 10 mobile phones, four power banks, one rechargeable hand fan, a cross-body bag containing two ATM cards and a National Identity Card, alongside other exhibits suspected to be connected with criminal activities.

The Ogun State Police Command said investigations were concluded promptly, after which all 43 suspects were arraigned before a competent court and remanded in the appropriate correctional facility.

The suspects are facing charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, membership of an unlawful society, unlawful assembly, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, disorderly conduct, unlawful possession and use of suspected cannabis, prostitution, operating and managing an unlicensed brothel, living on the earnings of prostitution, as well as other offences under the laws of Ogun State.

Police authorities disclosed that some of the suspects have begun providing investigators with useful information relating to other criminal cases currently under investigation.

The Command added that follow-up operations are underway to apprehend additional suspects and dismantle other criminal networks linked to the syndicates.

With the latest prosecutions, the total number of suspects charged to court since the launch of Operation KOSAYE has risen to 76, comprising 33 suspects prosecuted during the initial phase of the operation and the 43 suspects arraigned following the latest raid.

The police described the figure as evidence of the Command’s resolve not only to arrest criminal suspects but also to ensure diligent investigation and successful prosecution.

Commending the SWAT operatives, Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni praised their professionalism, discipline and operational effectiveness, describing the latest operation as another significant milestone in the implementation of Operation KOSAYE.

The Commissioner reiterated that Ogun State would remain hostile territory for criminals and warned that criminal hideouts, drug joints, brothels allegedly used as cover for criminal activities, cult enclaves and other identified black spots would continue to be targeted and dismantled through intelligence-driven policing.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting the police with credible and timely information capable of preventing crime and enhancing security across the state.

Operation KOSAYE is one of the Ogun State Police Command’s major security initiatives aimed at dismantling organised criminal networks, eliminating crime-prone locations and strengthening public safety through proactive and intelligence-led law enforcement operations.

FG Suspends Proposed ₦50,000 WAEC, NECO Registration Fee Hike After Public Outcry

By
Justice Oladapo
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Minister of Education Tunji Alausa

Barely 24 hours after announcing a sharp increase in the registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), the Federal Government has suspended the proposed hike and ordered fresh consultations with key stakeholders.

The decision comes after widespread public criticism greeted the announcement on July 12 that candidates would pay a uniform ₦50,000 registration fee for both WAEC and NECO examinations from 2027, replacing the current fees of about ₦27,000 for WAEC and ₦30,000 for NECO.

In a statement dated July 13, 2026, the Federal Ministry of Education said it had withdrawn its June 18, 2026 letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment to allow for a comprehensive review and broader consultations before any final decision is taken.

The ministry explained that the suspension followed concerns and constructive feedback from Nigerians, adding that the government remained committed to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.

According to the statement, “The Federal Government has suspended the proposed review of registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).”

It further stated that “The Federal Ministry of Education announced that the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated 18 June 2026, has been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders before a final decision is taken.”

The ministry noted that while the proposed increase was driven by rising operational costs associated with conducting national examinations, the government acknowledged the need to ensure that any policy affecting millions of Nigerian students and their families is carefully considered.

According to the statement, the existing examination registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite significant increases in logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other essential services required to safeguard the integrity and credibility of public examinations.

The statement disclosed that the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, had directed that the proposal be placed on hold in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive governance.

It stated: “Nevertheless, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, has directed that the proposal be placed on hold in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.”

The ministry said the fresh review process would involve extensive consultations with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors, administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other critical partners.

According to the statement, the engagement is intended to ensure that “any future decision is fair, sustainable, transparent and responsive to prevailing realities while safeguarding access to education.”

It stressed that the proposed review of examination registration fees “will not take effect, as earlier communicated, pending the conclusion of the consultation process.”

Reassuring Nigerians, the ministry said the welfare of students and equitable access to quality education remain central to the Tinubu administration’s education agenda.

“The Federal Ministry of Education reassures Nigerians that the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education and responsible policy decisions remain at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the education sector,” the statement added.

 

 

Switzerland Coach Yakin Slams Controversial Refereeing Decision After Argentina Defeat

By
Kazeem Busari
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Argentina’s Julian Alvarez (9) scores his team’s second goal during their World Cup quarterfinal match with Switzerland in Kansas City on Saturday. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin has criticised the refereeing in his side’s defeat to Argentina, describing a key decision that influenced the outcome of the match as a costly mistake that denied his team a fair chance of progressing.

Speaking after the game, Yakin questioned the booking issued to one of his players, insisting there was no justification for the decision and that it ultimately proved decisive.

“We were punished because of a mistake. There was no reason for that booking. I don’t understand it. It was an innocent situation; there was nothing malicious about it,” Yakin said.

The Swiss manager also expressed frustration with the role of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), arguing that the officials failed to interpret the incident correctly despite reviewing it.

“That decision was simply unbelievable. I completely disagree with it. There was clear contact, and I don’t understand how the referee and the VAR came to that conclusion,” he added.

Despite his criticism of the officiating, Yakin stopped short of suggesting Argentina received preferential treatment, acknowledging that both teams competed fairly throughout the contest.

“I wouldn’t say they were being favored. We had a fair and open match. Both teams played football. Football wasn’t the winner today. We were punished by a mistake. It was a decisive moment that determined the outcome of the match. We can complain now, but I have to congratulate Argentina.”

The Switzerland coach maintained that the encounter had been evenly balanced until the controversial decision shifted the momentum in Argentina’s favour, ultimately determining the result.

 

 

NDLEA Arrests South African Woman with 5.75kg Heroin Hidden in Luggage, Seizes N10.3bn Cannabis Shipment at Apapa

By
Laziz Olatunde
-

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 38-year-old South African woman, Will Jessica Ann, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 5.75 kilograms of heroin into Nigeria while travelling with her three-year-old son, as the agency also intercepted a N10.3 billion shipment of cannabis at the Apapa Seaport in Lagos.

The South African national was arrested on Monday, July 6, 2026, during the inward clearance of passengers on Qatar Airways flight QR1433 from Doha.

According to the NDLEA, the suspect initially denied travelling with any checked luggage. However, officers established that two bags containing the illicit drugs bore baggage tags matching those attached to her passport.

The agency said the suspect later admitted ownership of the bags, claiming she had forgotten she checked them in.

A search of the luggage uncovered 14 large blocks of heroin weighing 5.75kg, concealed inside the bags. Investigators alleged that the suspect had travelled with her three-year-old son in an attempt to avoid suspicion and reduce the likelihood of thorough security screening.

During interrogation, the suspect told investigators she travelled from Cambodia through Doha to Abuja.

According to intelligence gathered by the agency, she is allegedly a member of a transnational drug trafficking syndicate operating between Cambodia and South Africa, alongside her husband or partner, Jan Coenraad De Jager, who is said to be based in Cambodia.

In a separate operation at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, NDLEA operatives arrested Onyechere Daniel Chinadu, a 48-year-old commercial motorcycle rider, after his arrival from Madagascar via Addis Ababa on an Ethiopian Airlines flight.

The agency said a search of his checked backpack led to the recovery of 87 wraps of methamphetamine hidden inside clothing.

According to the suspect, he had worked as an Okada rider in the Oke-Afa area of Lagos for 15 years before a friend based in Uganda allegedly recruited him into drug trafficking.

He reportedly confessed that he swallowed additional pellets of methamphetamine in Uganda before embarking on the trip to Madagascar to deliver the drugs.

However, he claimed he was denied entry into Madagascar by immigration authorities, prompting his alleged sponsor, identified as Ozor Igo, to reroute him to Lagos, where he was arrested upon arrival.

Unable to state the exact number of pellets he had ingested, the suspect was placed under medical observation. Between the date of his arrest and July 1, he excreted 13 additional pellets, bringing the total seizure to 100 wraps of methamphetamine weighing 1.715 kilograms.

In another major breakthrough, NDLEA operatives at the Apapa Seaport intercepted 8,287 nylon bags of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, weighing 4,143.5 kilograms with an estimated street value of over N10.3 billion.

The illicit consignment was discovered during a joint examination of a container imported from Canada by NDLEA officers, personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies on Friday, July 10, 2026.

The agency said the seizure followed weeks of intelligence gathering, surveillance and monitoring by its Maritime Intelligence Unit in collaboration with the Apapa Strategic Command, beginning from the shipment’s departure in Montreal, Canada.

In a related operation, NDLEA officers attached to the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) foiled an attempt to export 2.5 kilograms of skunk, another strain of cannabis, concealed inside a gas compressor destined for Cyprus through a Lagos-based courier company.

 

 

 

 

 

Court Bars Non-Specialist Police Lawyers from Civil Cases, Orders Police Lawyer in Every Station

By
Laziz Olatunde
-

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) has delivered a landmark judgment barring police officers who are not employed in the Specialist Legal Cadre from representing the Nigeria Police Force in civil proceedings, while also ordering the deployment of at least one qualified police lawyer to every police station across the country.

The decision, delivered by Justice O. Y. Anuwe at the Abuja Judicial Division on Friday, July 10, 2026, followed a suit instituted by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) challenging the continued appearance of non-specialist police lawyers in court and seeking reforms to strengthen legal oversight and human rights compliance within the Force.

The case, Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association v. Police Service Commission & 5 Others (Suit No. NICN/ABJ/264/2025), was prosecuted by the Public Interest Litigation Committee of the NBA’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Olukunle O. Edun.

The NBA argued that several police officers recruited as General Duty Officers subsequently obtained law degrees and were called to the Nigerian Bar but were never converted to the Specialist Legal Cadre as required under the law. Despite this, the officers allegedly continued to perform legal duties, including representing the Nigeria Police in civil cases.

According to the association, the practice violates Rule 8(1) and (2) of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2023, which prohibits lawyers in salaried employment from appearing in court for their employers unless they are employed as legal officers in a government department or agency.

Before addressing the substantive issues, the court dismissed a preliminary objection filed by the Police Service Commission (PSC), which had challenged both the competence of the suit and the legal standing of the NBA to institute the action.

Justice Anuwe held that the NBA possessed the requisite locus standi, adopting what the court described as a liberal approach to public interest litigation. The court found that the action was instituted to protect the interests of legal practitioners and ensure compliance with statutory and professional obligations governing legal practice.

On the substantive issues, the court ruled that police officers who have not been appointed or converted to the Specialist Legal Cadre cannot lawfully represent the Nigeria Police Force in civil proceedings.

The court consequently restrained such officers from appearing in civil cases on behalf of the Force until they are duly appointed or converted into the appropriate legal cadre in accordance with the law.

In a further directive with potentially significant implications for policing across the country, Justice Anuwe ordered the Police Service Commission and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to implement the provisions of Section 66(3) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, by deploying at least one police lawyer to every police station nationwide.

The court held that the deployment would strengthen legal oversight within the Nigeria Police Force and improve compliance with human rights standards in policing.

The NBA had also sought an order compelling the conversion of all legally qualified police officers currently performing legal functions into the Specialist Legal Cadre, arguing that doing so would align police legal practice with the requirements of the Police Act and the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Legal analysts say the judgment is expected to reshape the administration of legal services within the Nigeria Police Force by ensuring that only properly designated legal officers represent the Force in civil litigation.

The ruling is also expected to enhance legal advisory services at divisional police formations, strengthen institutional compliance with constitutional safeguards governing arrests, detention and investigations, and reinforce the protection of fundamental human rights during police operations.

For the Nigerian Bar Association, the judgment represents another significant victory in its use of strategic public interest litigation to drive institutional reforms, clarify the legal status of police lawyers and promote greater adherence to the rule of law within Nigeria’s justice system.

Olopade Calls for Urgent Overhaul of NPFL, Warns Against Talent Exodus

By
Kazeem Busari
-
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade

National Sports Commission (NSC) Director General, Bukola Olopade, has called for sweeping reforms to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), describing the domestic league as the foundation of the country’s football ecosystem and warning that Nigeria risks losing more of its brightest talents unless the competition becomes more professional and commercially attractive.

Olopade said the long-term growth of Nigerian football depends on building a strong and sustainable domestic league capable of nurturing players, attracting investment and creating opportunities across the football value chain.

According to him, strengthening the NPFL would have a ripple effect on clubs, players, the media and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), while positioning the country to compete more effectively on the global stage.

“Our domestic league is the foundation of the entire football ecosystem. If we get the league right, we strengthen the clubs, empower the players, create opportunities for the media, attract investors, and ultimately build a stronger Nigeria Football Federation,” Olopade said.

The NSC chief expressed concern over the increasing number of Nigerian footballers leaving the country to pursue careers in smaller foreign leagues, saying the trend reflects the urgent need to improve the domestic football environment.

“We cannot continue to watch our brightest talents leave for leagues in Vietnam and the Benin Republic in search of opportunities.”

Olopade maintained that Nigeria already possesses the essential ingredients needed to build one of Africa’s strongest football leagues, including an abundance of talented players, a passionate fan base and a sizeable football market.

However, he argued that unlocking that potential requires a professionally managed league with a sound commercial structure capable of attracting sponsors, investors and greater public confidence.

“Nigeria has the talent, the passion, and the market. What we need is a league that is professionally managed, commercially viable, and globally competitive.”

He urged football administrators and other stakeholders to seize the opportunity to reposition the NPFL as a sustainable business capable of generating value for clubs, players, supporters, broadcasters and other industry participants.

“The time is now to put the Nigeria Premier Football League on the right path and build a sustainable football economy where clubs thrive, players flourish, fans are proud, and the media can also prosper.”

Olopade concluded by reiterating that the country’s football future rests on the success of its domestic competition.

“The future of Nigerian football begins with a stronger domestic league.”

His remarks come amid continued debate over the quality, organisation and commercial appeal of the NPFL, with stakeholders repeatedly calling for improved governance, better infrastructure, enhanced television coverage, stronger club financing and improved welfare for players and officials.

 

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