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Lagos Magistrate Remands Woman in Kirikiri Over Alleged Child Trafficking, Sets ₦500,000 Bail

Court orders remand as police seek second suspect linked to trafficking of 16-year-old girl to Libya for prostitution

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Court orders remand as police seek second suspect linked to trafficking of 16-year-old girl to Libya for prostitution

A Magistrate Court sitting at Samuel Ilori Court, Ogba, Lagos, on Tuesday ordered the remand of Martina Adebayo in Kirikiri Correctional Centre over alleged child trafficking, pending the fulfilment of bail conditions. Magistrate Lateef Owolabi granted Adebayo bail at ₦500,000 with two sureties who must show evidence of landed property ownership, and adjourned the matter till July 16, 2026, for trial.

According to police findings presented in court, Adebayo—also known as Blessing Moses—was apprehended on June 1, 2026, during an operation at Adamo in Ikorodu. The police Gender Unit reported that the arrest followed an investigation into the trafficking of a 16-year-old girl identified as Hannah (surname withheld), who was allegedly lured and trafficked to Libya in February 2026 by the defendant’s daughter, Tosin Adebayo (also called Tosin Moses), who is currently at large.

The police stated that when they arrived at Adamo community to arrest both women, only Martina Adebayo was found. She had reportedly travelled from Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State and was allegedly waiting to be transported to Libya alongside the victim. The police added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend Tosin Adebayo, who is believed to have already facilitated Hannah’s journey abroad for forced prostitution.

Child trafficking remains a critical concern across Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State which serves as a major transit point. Security agencies have intensified surveillance and public sensitisation campaigns in recent months following rising reports of youth exploitation and cross-border trafficking networks. According to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Lagos has recorded several high-profile arrests this year related to similar offences.

The court’s decision underscores government’s ongoing commitment to prosecute cases of human trafficking. Police authorities encouraged members of the public with information about trafficking suspects or victims to contact law enforcement agencies promptly. The next court sitting on July 16 will see prosecution present further evidence while defence counsel is expected to pursue bail perfection for the accused.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/court-remands-woman-in-kirikiri-over-alleged-child-trafficking/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

EFCC Arrests Aviation Security Officer, Two Others Over Alleged ₦4.4bn Gold Smuggling Attempt at Lagos Airport

Commission says suspects tried to ferry undeclared gold out of Nigeria; investigation ongoing as agency vows prosecution

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June 11, 2026

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Commission says suspects tried to ferry undeclared gold out of Nigeria; investigation ongoing as agency vows prosecution

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an aviation security officer along with two accomplices for allegedly attempting to smuggle gold valued at ₦4.4 billion through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday. According to the anti-graft agency, the suspects were apprehended during a routine security check at the airport while trying to move the gold out of the country without proper declaration.

EFCC officials disclosed that the arrest followed a tip-off about suspicious movements involving airport staff and passengers at one of the terminals. The officers intercepted the suspects with several kilograms of gold concealed in their luggage, which they failed to declare to customs and other relevant authorities as required by Nigerian law.

This incident comes at a time when government has been tightening controls on mineral exports due to concerns over revenue losses from illegal mining and smuggling activities. The seizure underscores persistent challenges facing Nigeria’s efforts to regulate its solid minerals sector and secure more foreign exchange earnings from legal exports.

An EFCC spokesperson confirmed that all three suspects are currently in custody and will be charged after investigations are concluded. “We are committed to curbing economic sabotage and prosecuting all those involved,” the spokesperson said in a statement issued on Thursday. Attempts to reach the suspects’ legal representatives were unsuccessful as at press time.

The commission has indicated it will collaborate with other agencies, including Customs and airport authorities, to strengthen monitoring and enforcement measures around airports nationwide. Industry stakeholders say stricter oversight is needed as illegal mineral exports continue to undermine Nigeria’s economic prospects.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887017-efcc-arrests-aviation-security-officer-two-others-over-alleged-attempt-to-smuggle-gold-worth-n4-4bn.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

CBN Governor Cardoso Receives 2026 Central Banking Award in London

Olayemi Cardoso honoured as Central Bank of the Year, marking international recognition for Nigeria’s monetary authority

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June 11, 2026

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Olayemi Cardoso honoured as Central Bank of the Year, marking international recognition for Nigeria’s monetary authority

Governor Olayemi Cardoso of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been presented with the 2026 Central Banking Central Bank of the Year Award at a ceremony in London on Thursday. The award, which recognises excellence in central banking practice and leadership, highlights Nigeria’s role in global monetary policy discussions.

The event saw Cardoso join other top financial leaders from around the world as he accepted the prestigious accolade on behalf of Nigeria’s apex bank. The organisers noted that the CBN was selected for its performance and reforms in recent years, though specific criteria for this year’s recognition were not disclosed at the event.

The Central Banking Awards are widely regarded as a benchmark for outstanding achievement among financial regulators globally. Past winners have included central banks from both developed and emerging markets, making this year’s award a significant milestone for Nigeria. Financial analysts say such honours can boost investor confidence and underscore Nigeria’s commitment to international best practices in economic management.

While official reactions from other government figures were not immediately available as at press time, observers within Nigeria’s financial sector have welcomed the recognition. Stakeholders point to ongoing reforms under Cardoso’s leadership and efforts to stabilise the naira and strengthen regulatory frameworks.

The CBN is expected to continue engaging with international partners following this achievement, as monetary authorities look to build on recent gains and address ongoing economic challenges. Further statements from Cardoso or federal officials are anticipated in the coming days.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/887010-cardoso-receives-2026-central-banking-central-bank-of-the-year-award-in-london.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Delta Leaders Urge Protesters to Vacate Oil Facilities After Tinubu’s Intervention

Ijaw and Urhobo elders call for end to occupation of Warri oil installations as presidential mediation begins

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June 11, 2026

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Ijaw and Urhobo elders call for end to occupation of Warri oil installations as presidential mediation begins

Ijaw and Urhobo community leaders in Delta State have appealed to protesters occupying oil facilities in Warri South-West Local Government Area to withdraw, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the ongoing dispute. The call was made on Thursday after federal authorities began mediation efforts aimed at resolving long-standing grievances over the delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency.

According to community sources, the affected oil installations had been occupied by demonstrators demanding implementation of a Supreme Court judgment on constituency boundaries. This action, which disrupted operations at several key sites, prompted urgent engagement from both local leaders and the presidency.

The dispute over Warri Federal Constituency has persisted for years, with various ethnic groups raising concerns about political representation and resource allocation in the oil-rich region. The recent protest heightened tension in Delta State’s South-South zone, with stakeholders warning of possible economic losses if oil production remained paralysed.

Leaders from both Ijaw and Urhobo communities issued separate statements urging their youths to stand down while talks with federal officials continue. “We must give room for dialogue now that Mr President has shown commitment to address our demands,” one statement read. The elders also cautioned against further disruptions, noting the strategic importance of oil revenues for Delta State and Nigeria as a whole.

Presidential envoys are expected to meet with representatives of all aggrieved groups in the coming days. Meanwhile, security agencies have maintained patrols around major installations to deter any escalation. Delta State government officials have not issued an official comment as at press time.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887009-warri-crisis-ijaw-urhobo-leaders-ask-protesters-to-leave-oil-facilities-after-tinubus-intervention.html

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