Nigeria News (Standard)
Civil Group Petitions NJC, Demands Disciplinary Action Against Judge Over ADC Deregistration Ruling
Petition alleges judicial misconduct in Abuja court judgement; group seeks urgent intervention from Chief Justice of Nigeria
Petition alleges judicial misconduct in Abuja court judgement; group seeks urgent intervention from Chief Justice of Nigeria
A civil society group has submitted a petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC) and Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, protesting a recent Federal High Court judgement that upheld the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The petition was filed in Abuja on Tuesday by the group, which accused the presiding judge of misconduct and called for immediate disciplinary action.
According to the group’s statement, the judgement in question was delivered by a Federal High Court judge sitting in Abuja, who ruled in favour of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to deregister ADC alongside several other political parties. The petitioners allege that the ruling failed to consider key legal arguments presented by ADC and that it undermined fair democratic participation.
The deregistration of ADC and other affected parties has generated significant concern among political actors and observers, as it reduces the number of parties eligible to contest future elections. The group noted that this development could limit voter choice and potentially disenfranchise supporters of smaller political platforms. They further argued that such court decisions have broader implications for Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
While urging NJC and the CJN to probe the judge’s conduct, the group stressed that judicial officers must be held accountable for actions perceived as unjust or prejudicial. As at press time, there has been no official response from either the NJC or Justice Ariwoola regarding the petition. INEC had earlier defended its action on deregistration as being in line with constitutional provisions.
The next steps remain unclear as stakeholders await NJC’s position on the matter. Political analysts say this case may set a precedent for how alleged judicial misconduct is addressed within Nigeria’s legal system.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Akwa Ibom Police Command Refutes Skit Maker’s Claim on Governor Eno’s ₦10m Donation to Late Officer’s Family
Police deny social media reports alleging Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno donated ₦10 million to family of slain officer
Police deny social media reports alleging Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno donated ₦10 million to family of slain officer
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dismissed claims circulating on social media that Governor Umo Eno donated ₦10 million to the family of a deceased police officer. The controversy arose after a popular skit maker alleged in a recent post that such a donation had been made by the state government, sparking public debate and sympathy online.
The police, in an official statement issued Tuesday in Uyo, stated unequivocally that no such financial contribution was received from Governor Eno or the state government for the bereaved family. According to the command, the information being spread is false and misleading, and the public should disregard it. The statement also cautioned against using unverified claims to incite sentiments or discredit the efforts of the state government and security agencies.
This incident comes at a time when issues of welfare for security personnel and their families have drawn national attention, especially following cases where officers killed in active service are celebrated online without corresponding institutional support. The purported donation had generated reactions from members of the public, with many calling for greater transparency regarding assistance extended to families of fallen officers.
While addressing the matter, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command emphasised its commitment to supporting officers’ families within available resources and in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. The command further urged content creators and citizens to verify sensitive information before sharing it on social platforms. As at press time, there was no official response from Governor Umo Eno or his aides regarding the viral claim.
The police reiterated their appeal for responsible reportage and assured continued engagement with both media practitioners and community members on issues affecting security personnel in Akwa Ibom.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos-based Cardtonic Launches Full-Service Gift Card Platform for Nigerian Users
New app allows Nigerians to buy and manage local gift cards, expanding options beyond foreign brands
New app allows Nigerians to buy and manage local gift cards, expanding options beyond foreign brands
Cardtonic, a fintech startup headquartered in Lagos, has announced the evolution of its platform into a comprehensive gift card application tailored for Nigerian users. The company revealed this development on Tuesday, stating that the upgrade now enables customers to purchase and manage local gift cards alongside existing international options.
The transition, which was completed in June 2026, marks a significant shift from Cardtonic’s previous focus on foreign gift card trading. According to the company, Nigerians can now conveniently access digital vouchers for popular local services and retailers directly through the Cardtonic app, addressing a longstanding demand for locally relevant solutions in Nigeria’s growing digital commerce sector.
With increased reliance on digital payments and online shopping nationwide, industry stakeholders have noted that many consumers faced hurdles acquiring or redeeming Nigerian gift cards due to limited platforms. The expansion by Cardtonic is expected to improve access for individuals and small businesses seeking seamless gifting and payment alternatives.
Cardtonic representatives said the upgrade aligns with their vision of making digital gifting more accessible for Nigerians at home and abroad. No official figures were disclosed regarding projected user growth or transaction volume following the launch. The company also did not state whether partnerships with major Nigerian brands have been finalised but indicated ongoing efforts to onboard more merchants.
The company encouraged users to download the latest version of its app via major app stores. Stakeholders in the fintech sector are watching closely to see if Cardtonic’s move will spur similar innovations among competitors or attract new entrants into Nigeria’s digital voucher market.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court Revokes Sowore’s Bail, Orders Immediate Arrest Over Alleged Breach
Federal High Court issues bench warrant against activist; legal team says it will challenge decision
Federal High Court issues bench warrant against activist; legal team says it will challenge decision
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has revoked the bail previously granted to activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, ordering his immediate arrest on Tuesday, 16 June 2026. The decision follows allegations that Sowore violated the terms of his bail as set by the court during his ongoing trial.
The presiding judge issued a bench warrant for Sowore’s arrest after reviewing submissions from the prosecution regarding repeated absences and alleged non-compliance with bail conditions. The court directed security agencies to locate and present Sowore before it at the next adjourned date for continuation of proceedings.
Sowore, known for his activism and past involvement in #EndSARS protests, had been on bail pending trial over charges that have drawn national and international attention. The case has sparked debate among civil society groups and political observers over judicial process and the rights of defendants under Nigerian law.
While the prosecution argued that revocation was necessary due to what they described as “deliberate flouting” of court directives, members of Sowore’s legal team indicated that they would file an application to challenge the order. They maintained that their client had complied with all lawful instructions issued by the court.
With this latest development, attention now shifts to security agencies tasked with enforcing the arrest order. Legal experts say the outcome could have wider implications for high-profile defendants and future bail rulings in Nigeria’s justice system.
