Nigeria News (Standard)
Sultan, Catholic Bishops Demand Immediate Action on Worsening Insecurity Nationwide
Religious leaders call on federal government to prioritise citizen safety as violent attacks rise across states
Religious leaders call on federal government to prioritise citizen safety as violent attacks rise across states
Prominent religious figures including the Sultan of Sokoto and senior Catholic bishops have called for urgent intervention by the federal government to address Nigeria’s escalating insecurity. The appeal was made on Wednesday, 17 June, amid increasing reports of kidnappings, attacks, and unrest in several states across the country.
The Sultan of Sokoto, who is the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, joined voices with Catholic bishops to highlight the growing threat posed by armed groups and criminal gangs. Their joint statement emphasised that communities in both urban and rural areas are now living in fear as incidents of abduction, armed robbery, and violence continue unabated.
Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges over the past decade, including Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and separatist agitation in the South-East. Recent months have seen a surge in attacks targeting civilians, with many Nigerians criticising what they describe as a slow or inadequate response from authorities. The latest call from religious leaders reflects rising public anxiety and frustration over the government’s ability to ensure safety for all citizens.
While the federal government has repeatedly pledged to strengthen security operations and deploy more resources to affected regions, critics say progress remains slow. The Sultan and Catholic bishops urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to take concrete steps beyond promises. “It is time for decisive action that will restore confidence among Nigerians,” they said in their statement.
Security analysts note that collaboration between religious leaders could add momentum to ongoing advocacy for reforms in policing and intelligence gathering. As pressure mounts on government officials, many Nigerians are looking towards concrete policy measures and improved coordination among security agencies to stem the tide of violence.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kogi High Court Sentences Kidnapper to Death for Killing Hotel Proprietor After ₦2.5m Ransom
Justice Awulu delivers maximum penalty as DSS secures conviction; verdict follows string of recent death sentences for kidnappers
Justice Awulu delivers maximum penalty as DSS secures conviction; verdict follows string of recent death sentences for kidnappers
A High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, has sentenced Jibrin Halilu to death after finding him guilty of kidnapping and killing his neighbour, Uche Andrew Offo, even after collecting a ₦2.5 million ransom from the victim’s family. The judgment was delivered on Tuesday by Justice Abdul Nicodemus Awulu, marking another major conviction for the Department of State Services (DSS) in its anti-kidnapping operations.
According to court proceedings, Halilu and members of his gang stormed Everready Hotel in the Angwa-Tiv area of Obajana on 23 March 2023, abducting Offo who was the proprietor. Despite negotiating and collecting ₦2.5 million from Offo’s relatives, the kidnappers went ahead to kill their victim. The DSS investigation led to Halilu’s arrest and subsequent arraignment on charges including conspiracy and kidnapping, contrary to Sections 12, 6(1), and 4(3)(a) of the Kogi State Kidnapping and Other Related Offences Prohibition Law, 2023.
The court found that the prosecution provided compelling evidence linking Halilu to both the abduction and murder. Justice Awulu imposed the death sentence as stipulated by law for such offences in Kogi State. This ruling comes just a day after a Katsina State High Court also sentenced a female arms courier arrested by the DSS to death, highlighting what observers describe as a series of courtroom successes for Nigeria’s domestic intelligence agency.
The spate of convictions follows a Federal High Court judgment on 3 June 2026, where four persons were sentenced to death by hanging for their involvement in the June 2022 terrorist attack at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State. Security experts say these recent judgments signal a firmer stance by Nigerian courts against violent crimes linked to kidnapping and terrorism.
There was no immediate statement from Halilu’s legal representatives or family as at press time. The DSS has not issued an official comment following the verdict. Legal analysts note that while appeals remain open under Nigerian law, such capital convictions are expected to serve as deterrents amid rising concern over insecurity across North-Central Nigeria.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/court-hands-down-death-penalty-to-kidnapper-in-kogi/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Cape Verde’s Josimar Dias Gains Over 11 Million Followers in 2 Days After Viral Performance
40-year-old footballer’s social media surge follows standout display, sparking wide interest across Africa and beyond
40-year-old footballer’s social media surge follows standout display, sparking wide interest across Africa and beyond
Josimar Dias, the 40-year-old Cape Verdean footballer, has seen his social media following skyrocket by more than 11 million within just two days, following a viral performance that captured attention across Africa and internationally. The development has made Dias one of the most talked-about sports figures online this week.
The surge in followers began shortly after Dias delivered a remarkable showing for Cape Verde, drawing widespread praise from fans and commentators alike. His exploits on the pitch quickly trended on multiple social media platforms, with users sharing clips and messages celebrating his longevity and skill at an age when most players have retired.
Dias’s meteoric rise in popularity underscores the growing influence of African footballers on digital platforms, as well as the power of viral moments to transform personal brands overnight. For many Nigerians and Africans who follow football closely, Dias’s story is seen as both an inspiration and a testament to perseverance in the sport.
There has not yet been any official statement from Dias or Cape Verdean football authorities regarding his newfound fame. However, observers note that such rapid growth in online presence could attract endorsement opportunities and further raise the profile of Cape Verdean football globally.
With interest in African footballers at an all-time high on social media, analysts predict that more athletes from smaller nations could experience similar surges if they achieve standout performances. Fans across Nigeria and West Africa continue to celebrate Dias’s achievement, viewing it as a positive sign for regional representation on the global stage.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Police Arrest Doctor, Three Others over Alleged Sale of Newborn Baby in Warri
Security operatives detain suspects following tip-off; investigation ongoing as authorities warn against child trafficking in Delta State
Security operatives detain suspects following tip-off; investigation ongoing as authorities warn against child trafficking in Delta State
Police operatives in Delta State have arrested a medical doctor and three other individuals for their alleged involvement in the sale of a newborn baby in Warri. The arrests were made on Wednesday, June 17, following actionable intelligence received by security agencies in the Warri South Local Government Area.
According to police sources, the suspects were apprehended after officers received information about suspicious activities at a private medical facility within Warri metropolis. The medical doctor, whose name has not been officially released, was taken into custody alongside three alleged accomplices during a coordinated operation. All four are currently being held as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the reported sale of the infant.
The incident has raised fresh concerns among residents and stakeholders about rising cases of child trafficking and illegal adoption rings within Delta State and the wider South-South geopolitical zone. Authorities say such practices endanger vulnerable children and violate existing Nigerian laws against human trafficking.
A senior police officer involved in the operation confirmed that investigations are ongoing to unravel the full extent of the network behind the crime. “We are committed to ensuring that all those involved face prosecution according to Nigerian law,” the officer said, adding that further details would be made public as at the conclusion of preliminary findings.
Delta State Police Command has warned members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to child trafficking or unauthorised adoption. The command also encouraged families seeking adoption to follow due legal process through authorised government channels. As investigations continue, authorities say they will intensify surveillance around medical facilities and suspected hotspots for trafficking activities.
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