Nigeria News (Standard)
Bandits Kill Prominent Katsina Businessman After ₦5 Million Ransom Payment in Dandume LGA
Police yet to issue official statement as community mourns; family paid ransom before remains were recovered
Police yet to issue official statement as community mourns; family paid ransom before remains were recovered
A prominent businessman, Alhaji Bala Sanin Kawo, was killed by armed men after being abducted in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State on Monday, 11 June. The incident occurred as Kawo returned from one of his farms near Dantakari town, accompanied by an employee.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the abductors contacted Kawo’s family on 13 June and demanded a ransom. While initial reports suggested the gunmen asked for ₦500 million, residents in the area told our correspondent that the agreed amount was ₦5 million. The family and associates managed to raise the sum quickly and sent representatives to deliver it to the kidnappers.
However, after receiving the money, the armed men directed Kawo’s relatives to a specified location where they found his remains. The fate of his employee who was abducted alongside him has not yet been confirmed as at press time. The police command in Katsina State has not released an official statement regarding the incident.
The killing of Alhaji Bala Sanin Kawo has sparked fear among residents and business owners in Dandume LGA and surrounding communities, highlighting ongoing security challenges faced by people in Katsina State and across Nigeria’s North-West region. Kidnappings for ransom have continued to disrupt daily life and economic activity, with families often forced to raise large sums under pressure.
Efforts to reach Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer for comment were unsuccessful. As at time of filing this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Community leaders have called for increased security presence in rural areas prone to attacks by armed groups.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/bandits-abduct-kill-prominent-businessman-in-katsina/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Violence Erupts in Edo’s Estako East as Man Beheaded, Seven Houses Burnt After Dispute Over Girlfriend
Police begin investigation as Ogute-Oke community residents flee following deadly altercation during burial party
Police begin investigation as Ogute-Oke community residents flee following deadly altercation during burial party
One man has been reportedly beheaded and seven houses set ablaze in Ogute-Oke, Estako East Local Government Area of Edo State, after a violent confrontation broke out between youths over a girl. The incident occurred shortly after the community’s Olimi festival, throwing the area into panic on Saturday.
According to sources within Ogute-Oke who requested anonymity for security reasons, trouble started during a party organised to mark the burial of a prominent chief in the locality. Eyewitnesses said an argument ensued when one young man became angry that another was dancing with the girl he brought to the event. The disagreement escalated rapidly, resulting in one of the men using a cutlass to inflict a fatal injury on his rival’s neck.
Following the fatal attack, reprisal violence erupted as some aggrieved individuals allegedly razed at least seven houses belonging to those linked to the parties involved. The chaos forced several residents to flee Ogute-Oke out of fear of further violence and possible police arrests. Community members say such incidents threaten ongoing efforts at peacebuilding in Estako East, which has experienced sporadic unrest in recent years.
As at press time, efforts to reach Edo State Police Command Public Relations Office were unsuccessful. However, security sources confirmed that police have launched an investigation and are monitoring the situation closely. No official statement had been released regarding arrests or further casualties.
The latest violence has renewed calls for improved security and community engagement in rural parts of Edo State. Local leaders have urged both youths and elders to exercise restraint while authorities continue their probe into the incident.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/man-beheaded-seven-houses-razed-over-girlfriend-in-edo/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court Orders Deregistration of ADC, Accord and Three Other Political Parties
Judgement delivered Monday directs INEC to remove affected parties from register, raising questions on political diversity
Judgement delivered Monday directs INEC to remove affected parties from register, raising questions on political diversity
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Accord Party, in a ruling delivered on Monday, 15 June 2026. The court’s decision mandates INEC to remove these parties from its official register with immediate effect.
The judgement, which came after a legal challenge to the continued existence of the affected parties, follows arguments regarding their compliance with constitutional requirements for party registration. The order also applies to three other unnamed parties alongside ADC and Accord. The details of the specific infractions or criteria for deregistration were not disclosed in the court’s brief summary.
The move marks another phase in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to streamline its political landscape. In recent years, INEC has periodically reviewed party registrations based on performance and compliance with relevant electoral laws. Many observers say this action could reduce ballot clutter but may also limit choices for voters ahead of future elections.
While the names of all five deregistered parties were not made public at press time, the judgement is expected to have significant implications for party members and candidates preparing for upcoming polls. There was no immediate response from either INEC or representatives of the affected parties regarding plans to appeal or comply with the court directive.
As at Monday evening, it remains unclear how soon INEC will update its records and what process will be in place for aggrieved stakeholders. The development is likely to prompt further debate about electoral reforms and inclusivity within Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Reps Speaker Calls for Bold Solutions to Nigeria’s Security Challenges
Speaker says existing strategies are not enough, urges lawmakers to embrace innovative approaches amid rising insecurity
Speaker says existing strategies are not enough, urges lawmakers to embrace innovative approaches amid rising insecurity
The Speaker of the House of Representatives has emphasised the urgent need for new and courageous strategies to address Nigeria’s persistent security challenges. Speaking in Abuja on Monday, the Speaker said that current approaches have not yielded the desired results and called on lawmakers to adopt fresh thinking in tackling insecurity across the country.
The Speaker made this call during a session at the National Assembly, noting that rising incidents of violence, kidnapping, and banditry have continued to threaten peace in several states. He stressed that Nigerians expect practical action from their elected representatives, not mere rhetoric. “Our people are looking to us for leadership that delivers real solutions,” he said.
Nigeria has faced escalating security concerns in recent years, with attacks reported in parts of the North-East, North-West and other regions. These incidents have affected economic activities and displaced thousands of citizens. The Speaker’s comments come at a time when many Nigerians are demanding more effective interventions from both federal and state governments.
While addressing his colleagues, the Speaker urged them to support policies that will strengthen security agencies and improve intelligence gathering. He added that collaboration with local communities and investment in youth empowerment could help reduce the appeal of criminal activity. “We cannot afford to keep doing things the same way and expect different outcomes,” he stated.
The House is expected to review existing security frameworks in coming weeks, with possible amendments to enhance operational effectiveness. Lawmakers have also called for increased funding for security agencies as part of efforts to restore peace and stability nationwide.
